#SHOWBIZ: Mimifly sweeps AIM 25 with 5 trophies as Aisha Retno snags Best Album

KUCHING: Independent singer-songwriter Mimifly emerged as the biggest winner at the 25th Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM 25), clinching five trophies during the star-studded event broadcast live via TVS from the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching last night.

Her sweeping victory marks a major personal milestone, particularly as an artiste operating without the backing of a major record label.

Mimifly bagged accolades for Best Musical Arrangement in a Song for Nara, Best Festive Song and Most TikTok Video Creations for Serumpun, alongside Best Music Video and Best Pop Electronic/Dance Song for Temberang.

Hot on her heels was National Songstress Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, who secured four awards.

Siti garnered Best Female Vocal Performance for Kesuma, Best Traditional Song and the coveted Best Song title for Pesanan Buat Diri, as well as Best Local/International Collaboration for Cenderamaya.

Siti led the overall nominations at the Silver Jubilee edition with 14 nods, including a Best Album candidate in her traditional offering, Gema Bumantara.

Meanwhile, powerhouse vocalist Aisha Retno walked away with three awards.

Her acclaimed project [RE.HAB] won Best Album and Best Album Recording, beating stiff competition from Shila Amzah's Sa25, Naim Daniel and Adnin Roslan's Lelaki Gila, Siti's Gema Bumantara, and Faizal Tahir and Let Zapin's Jati Diri.

Aisha's Best Album win earned her a RM200,000 cash prize under the Digital Content Fund (DKK), spearheaded by the Ministry of Communications through MyCreative Ventures.

The 26-year-old singer also scored Best Local English Song for her track O.R.B.I.T.

The night saw its share of surprises, notably when newcomer Arddley Nicholas was crowned Best Male Vocalist for Sandiwara Cinta, edging out industry veterans Hazama, Pasya, Ryenald Guntabid, and Syamel.

Pop outfit Alpha won Best New Artist with their debut entry Mona Lisa, while veteran nasheed group Inteam won Best Group Vocal Performance for Satukan Kami Di Syurga.

Marsha Milan celebrated her maiden AIM trophy by winning Best Ethnic Song for Pelangi Pasti, composed by Amir Jahari.

Hazama also celebrated a personal first, taking home Best Original Soundtrack for a Film/Drama with Aku Bukan Narsisis.

To top off the evening's honours, Rock Queen Ella Aminuddin was bestowed with the prestigious Sri Wirama Award in recognition of her enduring contributions and legacy in the local music landscape.

Hosted by popular celebrity duo Awal Ashaari and Scha Alyahya, the landmark ceremony was staged in Sarawak for the first time through a collaboration between the government, strategic partners, and music industry stakeholders.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah graced the event.

The stage came alive with performances by a stellar lineup including Siti, Adira Suhaimi with her eldest daughter Anggrek, Akim Ahmad, Alena Murang, Amir Masdi, Azlan Typewriter, Bunga, Estranged, Firdhaus, Hael Husaini, Hafiz Suip, Hujan, Luqman Podolski, Marsha Milan, Mimifly, and Indonesian singer Fajar Noor.