March-April . 2021 | Glam Halal

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“ For us musicians , we see AJL as a highlight of our career because we know how big the competition is in Malaysia . Being listed among the finalists even though I did not win … it was the greatest highlight of my career .”

Aina started by singing with a band , singing songs like ‘ Gamelan ’ and ‘ Cak Lempong ’ at weddings . She also performed at nightclubs , restaurants , and cafes . Aina said those exposures were a great blessing .

“ Before this , I was an independent singer . Even a lot of my songwriting is inspired by days back then . In fact , my latest song release , ‘ Sepi ’, talks about life before I became a singersongwriter . I want people to know about my life , and I really want to feel connected with my fans and the audience ,” she said .

She has so far composed more than 50 songs and released a few singles since 2015 .

Despite her outstanding vocals , she is also known for her flair for fashion .

“ Ever since I started as a singer-songwriter , I had two goals . I want ‘ Aina ’ to be known for her music , and I want ‘ Aina ’ to be known for her fashion ,” she told @ Halal . Well , she does mean what she says . We can surely spot her voice , and her outfits certainly caught our eyes . Some have said Aina ’ s wardrobe is somewhat odd . Yet , many love her distinctive style , especially as her hijabi matches her black leather boots . Absolutely rugged !

FASHION FONDNESS

Aina has a dying love for unique fashion . She is inspired by Lady Gaga ’ s on-stage performances .

“ She has a whole package of an artiste – from her fashion , her singing to her stage presence – this is what I want to go for .”

Given a chance , Aina said she would love to start her own fashion line , featuring her own favourite day-to-day comfort wear , which is sweaters and jumpers .

“ It has always been my dream to have my own clothing line featuring designs which are loose , baggy , yet stylish .

“ There are not enough modest fashion brands produced by local artistes . And if I were to have my own clothing line , it will be designed loose . It will probably be sweaters and jumpers because this is my go-to look every day ,” Aina shared .

Like most artistes , Aina said her best looks for on-stage performances are self-customised . She would project her ideas , and her stylist , Naz Living a Style , would then fabricate them . Her deep love for fashion made her crave to appear as fashionable as possible .

She ensures every detail placed into her designs has a meaning .

The style she plans to go for in the upcoming AJL35 will have a story to tell from the design .

“ It will be seen as a few pieces put together in layers ,” said Aina , dropping hints as to how she would appear for AJL35 .

Aina hopes her look for AJL35 will be a good inspiration . After her previous experience in AJL34 , she wishes to be satisfied with her overall performance in AJL35 .

And so she did . We were blown away by her performance at AJL35 , held on Mar 14 , 2021 . Her outstanding performance won the hearts of many Malaysians , earning her place as runnerup for the first time . Well deserved , Aina !

In the coming years , the talented Aina wants to be happy doing what she loves most — singing .

She noted : “ Challenges will continually cross our path regardless of whatever we pursue . I always have this thought in mind – success does not come easy .

“ We may face some rough phases in life , but something bigger awaits us . This is what I always tell myself to move forward .”