We cut 200,000 messages ourselves, unable to afford high costs - K.O.I

Newcomers to the Malaysian music scene, the group K.O.I, acknowledged their financial limitations for the Anugerah Juara Lagu (AJL40) stage. Instead of high-cost productions, they opted for a DIY approach, with all five members collaborating to create their performance props manually. This included meticulously cutting 200,000 pieces of paper bearing humanitarian messages, which were then scattered across the Unifi Arena during their performance.

"As a new group, it's not that we don't have money, but we prefer to do what we can ourselves," explained Mya Nana, a representative for the group. "From the musical arrangement to the stage setup and crew, everything was assisted by friends behind the scenes. Yesterday, the papers we scattered from the stage, we cut them ourselves. The total reached 200,000 pieces. We spent four days on that task."

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As a new group, it's not that we don't have money, but we prefer to do what we can ourselves. From the musical arrangement to the stage setup and crew, everything was assisted by friends behind the scenes. Yesterday, the papers we scattered from the stage, we cut them ourselves. The total reached 200,000 pieces. We spent four days on that task.

K.O.I used their AJL40 performance as a platform to deliver a message of humanity to the audience. Mya Nana elaborated that every element of their performance was designed to connect with the audience, from their earth-toned costumes to the dancers' movements, which depicted the suffering and struggles of the oppressed. "Many already know the meaning of this song, but we broadened the concept for AJL40 to be more universal. We wanted to connect with the audience. That's why we wore these colors," she said.

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Many already know the meaning of this song, but we broadened the concept for AJL40 to be more universal. We wanted to connect with the audience. That's why we wore these colors.

The dancers' choreography aimed to illustrate hardship and the trials faced by the oppressed, leaving the interpretation to the audience. "What we conveyed is for the whole world," Mya Nana added. The song "Tiwikarma" features music by Zai Hamzah and Hemo Globin, with lyrics penned by Achoi Floor 88, Khaza Raflex, Tuan Nicky, Mya Nana, and Sapik Sam.

Their victory earned K.O.I RM100,000 and the AJL trophy, triumphing over nine other finalists. Aisha Retno took second place with her song "Tak Adil," winning RM50,000 and a trophy. Reynauld Guntabid secured third place with "Lumangad Oku Dika," receiving RM30,000 and a trophy. Additionally, Marsha Milan won Best Vocal performance, earning RM12,000 and a trophy, while Aina Abdul's performance of "Kamu" also garnered RM12,000 and a trophy for Best Performance.

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The dancers' choreography aimed to illustrate hardship and the trials faced by the oppressed, leaving the interpretation to the audience. What we conveyed is for the whole world.