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AJL40 Winner Reynald Guntabid Considers Moving to Kuala Lumpur
๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡พ Malaysia /Culture & Society

AJL40 Winner Reynald Guntabid Considers Moving to Kuala Lumpur

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Reynald Guntabid, winner of the Anugerah Juara Lagu (AJL40), is considering relocating to Kuala Lumpur to advance his music career.
  • He expressed a desire to remain in Sabah to serve as an inspiration and role model for emerging artists there.
  • Guntabid secured third place at AJL40 for his song 'Lumangad Oku Dika,' earning RM30,000.

Sabah-born singer Reynald Guntabid, fresh off his win at the Anugerah Juara Lagu (AJL40), is contemplating a move to Kuala Lumpur to fully dedicate himself to his music career. While previously hesitant, Guntabid now sees a stronger possibility of establishing himself in the capital city, pending a few final details.

"I think the opportunity to live here is almost certain," Guntabid stated during the AJL40 press conference. "Only a small percentage remains, and subsequent matters will determine whether I move here or not."

I think the opportunity to live here is almost certain. Only a small percentage remains, and subsequent matters will determine whether I move here or not.

โ€” Reynald GuntabidReynald Guntabid discusses his potential move to Kuala Lumpur after winning at AJL40.

However, Guntabid also highlighted his commitment to his home state of Sabah. He feels a responsibility to remain there to inspire and guide the next generation of artists. "In Sabah now, I feel it needs a close-to-home example," he explained. "We do have Marsha Milan and Stacy who have been here for a long time and are from Sabah. But I feel I need to be closer there so that more young people and new creators will be more inspired by art if I am there."

Guntabid's song 'Lumangad Oku Dika' earned him third place at AJL40, along with a trophy and RM30,000. The top prize went to the group K.O.I. for their song 'Tiwikarma,' while Aisha Retno secured second place with 'Tak Adil.'

In Sabah now, I feel it needs a close-to-home example. We do have Marsha Milan and Stacy who have been here for a long time and are from Sabah. But I feel I need to be closer there so that more young people and new creators will be more inspired by art if I am there.

โ€” Reynald GuntabidReynald Guntabid explains his reasons for potentially staying in Sabah despite opportunities in Kuala Lumpur.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.