The Comeback Queen

Poon Li-Wei delves beyond the soulful voice of Dato' Sheila Majid to discover the woman beneath the surface of a glittering three-decade-long career.

Waiting patiently for my turn as another journalist interviews her, I can’t help but notice the distinctively quiet and familiar way in which Sheila Majid holds herself – almost as if you’re an old friend she hasn’t seen in awhile. Radiating nothing but warmth and charisma enough to fill up an entire room, it’s easy to see why 32 years down the road, people are still drawn to her like a moth to a flame – she's the spokesperson for Anlene and Hoya. Pair that with ardent fans who have been by her side every step of the way, even going so far as to finance her first album in thirteen years, and what you have is the poignantly named Boneka (which translates as ‘a gift’) and a night filled with heartwarming melodies, as she’s set to return to the stage this 5th of August at Stadium Merdeka. A beguiling mix of elegance and eloquence, I find myself completely taken by this woman who has long wised up to the tricks of the industry, yet has her moral and heart compass always pointing in the right direction.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS