The Malaysian edition of Levi’s® Music Project successfully completes the first phase of the programme with the announcement of its music video grant winner, Margasatwa.
The unanimous decision was made after the panel of judges, including the programme mentors, and Levi’s® representatives watched the stellar performances by the finalists during the virtual showcase that was broadcasted via Levi’s® global YouTube channel.
The four finalists, including indie band, Alien Lipstick Fire; rock band, Margasatwa; rapper, Dato’ Maw, and solo artist, MAYABAYU equally performed exhilarating sets at the historical Rumah Tangsi in the heart of Kuala Lumpur to vie for the coveted RM20,000 music grant.
One, however, stood above the rest to win the first prize, thus ending the first phase of Levi’s® Music Project with a bang.
Says Margasatwa’s frontman, Kimal
“2020 has been a wild ride with the pandemic putting a halt to most of our projects. Winning this grant is the best thing that could happen in such uncertain times.”
The finalists also debuted their latest single that was recorded and funded by Levi’s® in November at Big A Studio during the virtual showcase. These tracks were key to their participation in the music project and are now officially released to the public.
MAYABAYU introduces O, Sayang, a trilingual ballad, Alien Lipstick Fire sings about the new normal in Phasing In, Margasatwa enforces self-confidence in Yang Asli, while Dato Maw continues to turn heads with 一世人 WTP (Walk This Path).
They will spend the next few months focusing on promoting their stellar singles, while Margasatwa will be fully utilising their grant to produce a music video for the current release. While there is only one who won the prize, all four acts will be moving forward to the next stage of Levi’s® Music Project.
Find out more about the finalists here:
ALIEN LIPSTICK FIRE
Kuala Lumpur-based band Alien Lipstick Fire is a group of musicians who enjoy breaking boundaries in the Modern Indie Rock genre. Their experimental nature led to the creation of the psychedelic inspired tune, Phasing In.
DATO MAW
Dato’ Maw started a wave of “Cina” hip-hop music and is unapologetic for championing his cultural heritage. 一世 人 WTP (Walk This Path) showcases his personal struggle as a musician living during the pandemic.
MARGASATWA
Margasatwa’s charm comes from making music that combines modern elements with traditional sounds. Yang Asli serves as a positive message that reinforces self-confidence, delivered in their eclectic style of music.
MAYABAYU
What started out as a ballad tribute to her partner, MAYABAYU’s O, Sayang slowly took shape to form a loving tribute to the people she’s met along the way. The trilingual track is a ballad for all ages.
