IT has been eight years since Malaysia’s undisputed Queen of Jazz, Datuk Sheila Majid, released a studio album.
Her 2017 album, ‘Boneka’, was a testament to her artistry — a carefully crafted collection that blended her signature sound with contemporary influences.
Now, at 60, Sheila is not only celebrating four decades in music but is also signalling the possibility of a new chapter with the release of her latest single, ‘Moving On’.
Sheila, whose full name is Shaheila Abdul Majid, is candid about the challenges of producing a full album in today’s industry.
“Nowadays, releasing a full album is not easy because there are many things to consider,” she told reporters at the single’s recent launch.
“I’ve been planning to release more songs, but I need time. While I was preparing for my ‘Sheila Majid: 40 Years In Music’ concert, which is slated for Nov 8 at Axiata Arena, someone suggested it would be even better if I had a new song,” she said.
“Then Universal Music approached me and asked if I’d be interested in recording a song produced by foreign composers I had never met, people who didn’t even know my music.
“I like working with new people because they can bring in ideas I’ve never encountered before,” she added.
An international creative team
‘Moving On’ was released under Universal Music Malaysia and features the production talents of Hyuk Shin, Cuurley, and SYA, while Sheila contributed to the lyrics.
She said the whole creative process was done in a workshop-style where everyone chipped in with ideas — a process which has been practised a lot by Indonesian artistes for some time now.
The result is a track that feels both polished and deeply personal. For Sheila, the single is more than just a new release; it is a reflection of her journey as an artiste who continues to evolve.
Carrying themes of healing, strength and freedom, the song draws on the timeless groove of disco while infusing it with a contemporary nu-disco twist.
“I’m not chasing trends,” she emphasised.
“Instead, I’m chasing feeling and soul. This song gave me the inspiration to keep creating because I see how the world has changed, and so have I. But I still know who I am.”
In the wake of the pandemic, Sheila noticed an unexpected phenomenon: her earlier work, especially her evergreen hit ‘Sinaran’, began resonating with younger listeners.
Clips of the song appeared on social media, with Gen Z audiences discovering her music for the first time. This renewed interest inspired her to bridge generations through her work.
‘Moving On’ is a natural extension of that idea — of speaking to listeners who are navigating self-discovery and personal identity in the often-overwhelming digital age.
“The song encourages people to leave behind disappointments and move forward,” she explained.
“It’s about believing in yourself and embracing emotional freedom, especially in today’s world where digital pressures can weigh heavily on mental health.”
Eighties roots in modern frame
Musically, ‘Moving On’ pays homage to the disco era’s golden age, drawing on the glamour and energy of Donna Summer and Diana Ross.
This influence isn’t random, as Sheila has always had a deep love for the grooves and rhythms of the 1980s.
The arrangement also pays homage to city pop, a genre originating from Japan in the late 1970s and 1980s that has experienced a revival among young music fans worldwide.
For her, city pop is more than a passing trend: “It’s not something foreign to me. It’s where my musical roots began.”
By blending these nostalgic elements with crisp, modern production, the single offers a sound that feels classic yet fresh — one that could resonate equally on a retro dance floor or a contemporary streaming playlist.While the track sparkles with retro polish, its core message is anchored in the present.
In a time when many are struggling to find stability and confidence, it is a reminder that resilience and self-assurance are within reach.
“Music has the power to heal and to connect people across different walks of life,” Sheila reflected.
“If this song can make someone feel lighter, braver or more hopeful, then it’s worth every note.”
For long-time fans, the single marks an exciting return. For new listeners, it’s an introduction to one of Malaysia’s most enduring voices. And for Sheila herself, it’s a reaffirmation that her journey as an artiste is far from over.
With ‘Moving On’, Sheila has once again shown that she is both timeless and adaptable. Four decades into her career, she remains true to her musical identity while embracing new influences and collaborations.
It’s a celebration of the past, a nod to the present, and a confident step into the future — a fitting message for a legend who, even after 40 years, is still very much in motion.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
