Tropicana May-June 2023 #148 The Passion Issue

MAY/JUNE 2023 TRAILBLAZER
Yuna
A brand-new single by Yuna was released
earlier this year. The song, Menanti is the
36-year-old singer’s first Malay-language
single in seven years. A mix of folk and R&B,
Menanti was produced and composed by Yuna
in collaboration with Berlin-based singersongwriter
and producer Kenny J Macartney.
At the age of 19, she began her career by
recording music in her bedroom and releasing
it online. After completing law school, she rose
to fame with her catchy English and Malay hits.
As she progressed in the industry, Yuna was
scouted by US label Indie Pop Records and
moved to Los Angeles to further establish her
music career.
She has collaborated with big names such as
Pharrell Williams, David Foster and Usher.
Aside from her musical talent, Yuna has long
been a fashion trendsetter, using her influence
to raise awareness about Asian beauty and
make modest clothing more fashionable. She
has even received the attention of Chanel,
which extended an invitation to her to attend
the Spring/Summer 2020 runway show at the
Grand Palais in Paris.
60