Her appearance at Neon Lights, one of Singapore’s premier music and arts festival, on Sunday, gave the opportunity for Channel News Asia (CNA) to ask about her thoughts on life in the US in general and particularly about the new US commander-in-chief, Donald Trump.
“I think you have to constantly be positive. It doesn’t bother me that much. I’m still going to continue doing what I’ve always been doing – music.
“I’m not doing anything wrong or hurting anybody. I’m spreading the love. And that’s exactly the kind of attitude I feel (we should all have),” she told the regional news channel, adding though that she did have “mini heart attacks” monitoring the results, seeing Trump lead against Hillary Clinton.
Yuna, whose full name is Yunalis Mat Zara’ai, admits things might not be any different now than when she first came to the US five years ago.
“When I made the move to America, everyone was saying: ‘Aren’t you scared of Islamophobia in America?’
“So, it’s the same attitude I have stuck with since then, remaining positive and spreading the love,” she was quoted as saying by CNA.
It was a welcome appearance in this part of the world for the singer-songwriter, who was born in Alor Setar, Kedah.
Yuna, who turned 30 just two weeks ago, was excited to perform to the 8,000-strong crowd at Neon Lights, held at the Fort Canning National Park in Singapore.
Also performing during the two-day music and arts festival were The Sugarhill Gang from the US, Foals (UK), Sigur Ros (Iceland) and George Clinton (US), among others.
Beliefs and principles
Maintaining a balance between her Asian roots and the expectations from the Western base she works from, Yuna has achieved considerable success without giving in on her beliefs and principles.
“America is such a huge melting pot, especially in New York or Los Angeles, and I feel like it’s kind of important to do it for the kids to be myself and hold on to my roots and identity,” Yuna told CNA.
“Now, I probably have to work twice as hard. And I’ve been doing the same thing since the very beginning, promoting love at my shows. You see people from different walks of life – different religions, different races, different backgrounds – they are all just under one roof enjoying the music.”
Asked if there is an opportunity for new artistes to get the support they need in their home base in Asia, or should they follow her footsteps and head overseas, Yuna said starting at home was a must.
“You definitely have to start from home. What I did was perform a lot of shows and tried making a name for myself in Malaysia before heading out to America,” she said.
“Some people criticised me for leaving the music industry (in Malaysia) but others were supportive and cheered me on. But once I got to America and started making music, then they got to see and understand that ‘Ah, this is what she’s been doing and this is what she wants to do!’
“You kind of have to slowly change the mindset of people who didn’t give you the support before. So I think it’s important to do a little of both,” she was quoted as saying, adding that she does return to Malaysia and contribute to the local music industry once in a while.
“Because that’s my home. I have to be present all the time as well for my fans.”
Yuna has come a long way in the five years she’s been in the US.
This year saw her long-awaited breakthrough commercially with the fairly considerable success of her new album, Chapters, featuring the single, Crush, which was a duet with top R&B star Usher. Chapters even made it into the top 10 of Billboard’s Adult R&B Songs chart.
Yuna’s popularity in the US is not just for her songs, but also for her image. Some entertainment magazines and sites have even started calling her a poster girl for hipsters who wear the hijab.