KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 2 — It’s been one ‘crazy year’ so far for Malaysian pop icons KRU — and they are not done yet.
Despite announcing their disbandment in 2018, brothers Datuk Norman Abdul Halim, Datuk Yusry Abdul Halim and Edry Abdul Halim began their comeback this year with the release of their 15th studio album, Kaset, featuring the hit single Voodoo in April.
This was followed by the record-breaking Konsert GenKRU in May, which was initially planned for just one night but expanded to four due to overwhelming fan demand.
The concerts, held on May 3, 4, 10 and 11 at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur entered the Malaysia Book of Records for Most Shows in a Single Concert Series.
Organiser Icon Entertainment also received recognition for Most Concert Tickets Sold Out in an Hour, with 8,000 tickets snapped up within 60 minutes.
The Konsert GenKRU series even travelled to Singapore on June 28, and to top it off, their AI-infused music video for Voodoo won Best Music Video at the recent Anugerah Industri Muzik 24 (AIM24) on September 29.
Now, the group is looking to end the year with a bang through another concert, GenKRU The Finale: One More Time, scheduled for November 22 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
A crazy year
“It’s been a really crazy year for us — earlier this year we recorded a few songs for the album and a few music videos as well.
“Then I was involved with the Anugerah Juara Lagu while Yusry and Norman both have their own projects that they are working on and then with the concerts — everything is just non-stop for us,” Edry said.
Norman pointed out that he was surprised their song Remaja Selamanya from the latest album was so well received by fans, even charting at No.1 on several local radio stations.
“We feel really lucky. It’s going to be our 34th year next year, and to still be where we are now, Alhamdulillah, we are grateful that fans are still willing to support us,” Norman said.
However, Yusry added that despite the blessings, it is imperative to stay focused and continue giving fans fresh experiences.
“Honestly, throughout our years in the music industry, this year really touched us the most.
“There were times, such as our Istana Budaya concert in 2018, where we thought that we no longer had anything else to offer fans at that time.
“Which is why we decided to take a break and go our separate ways,” Yusry said.
Although their disbandment announcement made headlines in 2018, KRU never really left, returning a few years later with their 14th studio album, Krunomena, in 2021.
It is also worth noting that the May GenKRU concerts marked their first time performing together on stage since 2018.
Not here for awards anymore
On their recent award wins and nominations, including AIM25 and the upcoming 37th Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian (ABPBH37), KRU said they welcome recognition but clarified that winning awards is not their main objective.
“We would still accept it with open arms, but at the same time, we don’t see it (winning awards) as something that could give us satisfaction.
“Our satisfaction now comes from giving our best in everything we do, and when we’re happy with the outcome, that is our main goal,” Edry said.
He added that while winning awards is a milestone for any artist, being embraced by fans is far more rewarding.
“I understand what it feels like to win, and I understand what it feels like to lose — but don’t forget that waking up every morning is about being an artist, not winning awards.
“Produce your art and believe in it — I understand younger artists’ frustration, but keep waiting, your time will come,” Edry said.
Yusry pointed out that they still compete when nominated, out of respect for their fans.
“Our fans would get mad at us if we don’t compete, I’m serious.
“Sometimes when we didn’t win any awards, they (fans) would get more disappointed than us.
“We respect that, but after this, please don’t be disappointed if we don’t win anything,” Yusry said.
KRU are nominated in the Popular Artist/Collaboration/Duo/Group category at ABPBH37, happening October 9.
Aside from GenKRU The Finale: One More Time, where they promise a bigger and bolder showcase, the trio will also headline a four-day, three-night cruise showcase, DreamKRUise, from Singapore from January 27 to 30 next year.
