Album Production Faces Major Challenges, Says Rapper Bunga

Malaysian rapper Bunga has highlighted the significant financial and strategic hurdles artists face when producing full albums, explaining why many now opt for singles. The 26-year-old artist, whose real name is Noor Ayu Fatini Mohd. Bakhari, stated that album production demands substantial investment and meticulous planning to ensure each track garnishes listener attention.

"I strongly agree with composer Ajai's view that encourages artists to produce albums," Bunga told Utusan Malaysia. "However, the process of completing an album doesn't take a day or two; it can take years. As an artist who has gone through it, I myself struggle to think about how to promote 10 songs at once. That's the biggest challenge any artist faces."

Bunga, who released her album "Seharum Nama" in 2025, acknowledged the high costs associated with album creation. These expenses include payments to producers, composers, lyricists, and the production of music videos. This financial pressure, she explained, leads many artists to choose the safer route of focusing on one song at a time.

“

I strongly agree with composer Ajai's view that encourages artists to produce albums. However, the process of completing an album doesn't take a day or two; it can take years. As an artist who has gone through it, I myself struggle to think about how to promote 10 songs at once. That's the biggest challenge any artist faces.

Now operating as an independent artist, Bunga is exploring alternative strategies, including collaborations, to realize her musical projects. She announced plans to work with Sony Music on her next five songs. Bunga stressed the importance for independent artists to understand the music industry's intricacies, including securing sponsorships, managing licensing, and partnering with record companies.

"Use the opportunity when you are still with a label to learn their entire work process so that when you move on your own, you know what needs to be done," she advised. Her comments echo composer Ajai's call for local artists to return to producing full albums rather than solely focusing on singles, aiming to strengthen the value of musical works.

“

Use the opportunity when you are still with a label to learn their entire work process so that when you move on your own, you know what needs to be done.