AJL40 Winner Reynald Guntabid Considers Moving to Kuala Lumpur
Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- 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.
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.
Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.