Facts about Malaysian rapper, Bunga
Music has never been about following rules. There have been many admirable musicians who have shown that their love for creativity and music reigns supreme over oppressive social norms and restrictive barriers. Take for example, Joan Jett proving that women can rule the rock and roll genre, and Beyoncé paving the way for black women artists.
In Malaysia, we have our very own artists conquering their own lanes and chasing dreams on their own terms as well. Amongst them is Malaysian female rapper Noor Ayu Fatini – who goes by the stage name Bunga. She is a force to be reckoned with in the local music industry, by staying true to her roots and shattering stereotypes.
Here, we have compiled a list of 8 facts to know about Bunga, the rising female rapper in Malaysia who will be the opening act for Coldplay’s upcoming concert in Malaysia.
Table of Contents
- Facts about Malaysian rapper, Bunga
- 1. Bunga is a 23-year-old rapper from Perak
- 2. She was the only female competitor in a local rap competition
- 3. She can rap in Mandarin
- 4. She collaborated with global artists such as Pink Sweat$
- 5. She was featured on a billboard at New York City’s Times Square
- 6. She writes her own rap lyrics about personal growth and dealing with bullies
- 7. She acted in her own biopic film ‘Aku, Bunga’
- 8. She will be the opening act for Coldplay’s first concert in Malaysia
- Facts about Bunga, the budding rapper from Malaysia
1. Bunga is a 23-year-old rapper from Perak
Image credit: Iluminasi
Born Noor Ayu Fatini, Bunga was just an ordinary girl in Perak who loved writing poems as a hobby before she found her calling as a rapper at the tender age of 18.
In fact, her first dream job was to be a politician, but things took a turn when she was urged by her friends to join a local rap showcase event called U TRY RAP Please. A video of Bunga rapping at the competition, clad in a baju kurung, went viral. She catapulted to fame after emerging as one of the finalists, a feat which helped kickstart her music career.
Though Bunga was never trained in singing, she was greatly influenced by her family, who dabbled in music and relished singing.
2. She was the only female competitor in a local rap competition
Image credit: @bungaisme via Instagram
The term “rapper” may be the last thing to cross your mind when you lay your eyes on Bunga. She is always seen performing on stage dressed daintily in a hijab and baju kurung, and with a perpetual sweet smile on her face to complete the look.
This comes with a story. Bunga recounted to Associated Press News that she happened to be the only female contestant at the U TRY RAP Please competition, but she wasn’t able to stand out. At the very last minute, she decided to don a traditional garb during her performance, so she bought a baju kurung at the venue itself. The plan worked, and since then it has become her trademark look, with international media outlets dubbing her the first hijabi female rapper.
Dropping bars while outfitted in traditional garments isn’t without any challenges. Bunga admitted that she faced a handful of backlash as rapping in a hijab is “bringing down the image of women”.
Image credit: @bungaisme via Instagram
“I know many people criticise my appearance in baju kurung and hijab when I am performing my raps, but I want to prove that this is an opportunity to highlight Malaysian traditional clothing in the eyes of the world”, Bunga stated in an interview with Harian Metro.
Despite the criticism, the rapper isn’t disheartened. She once told South China Morning Post that being a female rapper does not mean she has to act like boys or gangsters.
Being an inspiration for all girls in hijabs who dream to rap, Bunga is glad to be a living proof that such ambition is not impossible.
“This is my identity, and it is what makes me unique as an artist”, Bunga told Lifestyle Asia.
3. She can rap in Mandarin
Image credit: Kosmo Digital
A true Malaysian at heart, Bunga is familiar with more than just one language. And when it comes to music, Bunga believes that language should not be seen as a hindering barrier.
Since she was young, Bunga has been exposed to the Mandarin language, having studied the language when she was in kindergarten and also being a fan of various Chinese songs.
In 2021, she undertook the challenge of participating in a Mandarin song with her friend and fellow local singer, Layla Sania. Titled Bambino, the track is a quirky and infectious one that tells the ups and downs of a youth’s life. Bunga delivered her lines flawlessly in Mandarin with not just spot-on pronunciations, but also a gorgeous delivery of emotions and soul that the song needed.
4. She collaborated with global artists such as Pink Sweat$
Image credit: Buro Malaysia
Not many 22-year-olds can say that they performed a duet alongside global stars on stage. But Bunga definitely can.
American singer-songwriter Pink Sweat$ released a collaboration EP in 2022, which features remixes of his hit track I Feel Good with several talented artists across Asia, and Bunga participated in a remix of the track as well.
Image credit: Spotify
She was even given the golden opportunity to perform live on stage with the famous musician during the inaugural Good Vibes Weekender that took place in Sunway Lagoon’s Surf Beach in 2022. Her appearance was an unassuming one, but the audience were delighted when Pink Sweat$ brought out the Malaysian rapper to perform their duet I Feel Good.
Image credit: Remaja
Bunga expressed her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity in an Instagram post, to which the American singer himself replied, “Soooooo fun. Thank you for coming out on stage with me!!!!”
5. She was featured on a billboard at New York City’s Times Square
Image credit: @bungaisme via Instagram
Imagine the thrill of having your face plastered on the grand screens of a billboard in the ever-bustling New York City’s Times Square. Needless to say, it was a huge pride to the country and the Malaysian music industry when Bunga was featured on a prominent billboard in the iconic Times Square early this year.
Image credit: Youtube
The milestone was in conjunction with Bunga being named Spotify’s EQUAL initiative ambassador for the month of November 2022. Her ultra-poppy single Buai was featured on the EQUAL Global Playlist.
The global music program names different female artists as their ambassador every month. The aim is to celebrate women and advance gender equity in music by highlighting global women artists including the likes of Shakira, Avril Lavigne, and Simona.
6. She writes her own rap lyrics about personal growth and dealing with bullies
Image credit: Lifestyle Asia Hong Kong
The hip-hop artist enjoys writing her own rap lyrics based on her own personal experiences – most particularly, about the bullying and racism she faced in a gadget shop she worked at before.
While she has written a couple of songs about facing love, Bunga admitted that she is not a fan of love songs. Instead, she is more geared towards lyricism relating to women empowerment and personal growth.
Image credit: Warner Music Malaysia
Bunga laughed about it in an interview with Lifestyle Asia, telling the media publisher:
“I always feel awkward if I’m going to do a love song, or a song about a guy. I like songs that give me motivation, and songs about women empowerment. I like artists who change their musical styles and themes — sometimes their songs are about motivation, sometimes they’re about their personal growth. I want to be that kind of artist, too.”
7. She acted in her own biopic film ‘Aku, Bunga’
Image credit: Myinfotaip
Rapper, singer, lyricist, and now, an actress – there’s nothing Bunga cannot do.
At the young age of 21, Bunga made her film debut with her very own biopic titled Aku, Bunga. Directed by Kabir Bhatia, the film is essentially a dramatised biographical film about Bunga herself and her dreams of becoming a star in the music industry.
The movie weaves in elements of music, love, and family conflicts with a storyline that is simple yet heartwarming all the same. Bunga also participated in writing and performing the OST for the movie, called Apadehal.
8. She will be the opening act for Coldplay’s first concert in Malaysia
Image credit: @bungaisme via Instagram
Making waves in the Malaysian music scene since a young age, Bunga shows no sign of stopping.
It was recently announced that the talented rapper was selected to be the opening act for the beloved British band Coldplay’s concert this coming November. As it is a concert that is highly anticipated amongst Malaysians, Bunga is elated by the news and extremely honored.
Image credit: Taiwan News
“I know not many people know me and question why I was selected, but I still want to give my best for the audience”, she said in an interview with Sinar Daily. “To perform in front of tens of thousands of people at the National Stadium Bukit Jalil is a very big deal for me, especially when I am still relatively new in this industry”.
Facts about Bunga, the budding rapper from Malaysia
In a field heavily dominated by males especially in Malaysia, Bunga’s success is not one to be glossed over. Proudly spitting bars and sick rap flows with words from her heart, the young rapper has proven that no matter your identity or what you wear, dreams do come true so long as one has the drive and passion to do what they love.
For more facts on famous figures in Malaysia, you’ll want to check out these 8 facts on Michelle Yeoh, Malaysia’s biggest Hollywood actress and 8 facts about Dolla, a Malaysian girl group.
Cover image adapted from: @bungaisme via Instagram, Good Vibes Weekender