Artists & Schedule

Jamilah Abu Bakar

Music

Jamilah is a dynamic vocalist celebrated for her rich tone and expressive delivery across multiple genres. Specializing in Malay Traditional music, particularly Keroncong, she brings a deep respect for heritage and culture to her performances. Her versatility also extends to Pop, Classical, Jazz, and R&B, showcasing her ability to adapt while maintaining her unique vocal identity.

Currently serving as a vocal lecturer at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Jamilah is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of vocal talent while continuing to grow as an artist herself. With a strong stage presence and a passion for musical storytelling, she has captivated audiences through both live performances and recordings.

Her artistry reflects a seamless blend of tradition and modernity, offering an authentic sound that resonates with listeners from all walks of life. Dedicated, soulful, and ever-evolving, Jamilah continues to refine her craft, aiming to bridge cultures and emotions through the power of music.

Performing artist at the festival opening ceremony on May 14.

Vocal workshop on May 15 in MS Choir Room.
Guest strings and vocal judge on May 16 in Melawati Theatre.

More on Irena

Fritilldea

Visual Arts

My given name is Mohd Anuar bin Mustapa but I'm more better known by my friends as Black. Fritilldea, or what those who in the art scene know me as, is a summation of the phrase, "FRIends TILL DEAth" which is basically what I feel about the friendships I've cultivated through my art. I hold true to the love of making friends and I'm most likely to have those very friendships til the end of my life, insyaAllah. My first foray into drawing was mainly contributed to my childhood and growing up in the 80s where video games and the cartoons on TV were the main source of my creativity. I still draw my inspiration from watching cartoons up to this day. Then came the 90s, where I began my love for graphic novels and comics, I guess its safe to say that I largely connect and get inspiration from things that surround me at the present moment.

As a self taught artist, I first began starting my drawings with an avid fixation on an object or a character and I would repeatedly draw the same thing until I get sick of it. One of my favorite things to do is to draw at a public space where its noisy and crowded, I find it very difficult to draw in very quiet areas and I find myself thinking bigger when there are others surrounding me. At the start in my twenties, I began to know about street art and I used to stencil drawings around KL city under the moniker "Box Head". After some time passed, I began to grow a love for murals due to the fact that I was able to obtain certain strokes and have more details into my work at a larger scale with the help of brushes and acrylics. As most of my works tend to be black and white, its largely due to the fact that I feel like it has more depth and its a lot more neater as opposed to colored works. Of the works I've done my biggest achievement to date I have to say is when I was commissioned to do a mural for the National Art Gallery and the feedback I gained through affecting others with my art. Its still a testament that I believe no matter what life throws at you and despite my very humble background that hard work, will and the determination to go far will always bear fruit. I have the will to still have the same affect on people through art, no matter how much time has passed.

Fritilldea will be leading the community mural painting project near the MS Turtle Pond on May 24. More information on sign-ups to follow. He will also share some of his work and passions during the festival opening ceremony on May 14.