Dear Beautiful Souls,
As I sit here, pen in hand (well, fingers on keyboard), I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for this incredible journey we've been on together. It feels surreal to think about how far we've come—from my early days performing at wedding gigs and traveling from Seremban to Kuala Lumpur for vocal lessons, to standing on the AJL stage, to receiving your beautiful messages and unwavering support.
Music has always been my sanctuary, my language when words alone weren't enough. When I lost my father at 15, I didn't know how to process the pain. But music held me, shaped me, and made me braver than I ever thought possible. Every song I write, every note I sing, carries a piece of that journey—the heartbreak, the healing, the hope.
Imaji was a dream I held close to my heart for years. To finally share it with you, and then to expand it with Imaji Deluxe, felt like opening the pages of my diary to the world. Each track tells a story—of love found and lost, of growing through pain, of finding beauty in vulnerability. When you tell me that these songs have been there for you during your own difficult moments, that they've made you feel less alone, my heart could burst. That's all I've ever wanted—to create something real, something that reaches beyond the stage and touches your soul.
I won't lie—this path hasn't always been easy. There have been moments of doubt, times when the criticism felt too heavy, nights when I questioned if I was enough. But then I remember why I started. I remember my father, who I wish could see all of this. I remember teenage Aina, commuting for hours just to chase this dream. And I remember you—every single one of you who has streamed my songs, attended my concerts, defended my artistic choices, and lifted me up when I needed it most.
The theatrical performances, the bold fashion, the risks I take on stage—they're all part of how I express what's inside. I've learned that authenticity matters more than perfection, that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. I want to inspire you to be unapologetically yourself, to take up space, to let your colors shine even when the world tells you to dim your light.
Performing the ASEAN 2025 theme song "Our Land, Our Home" and sharing the stage with legends—these moments remind me that dreams really do come true when you keep believing. But the greatest honor isn't the trophies on my shelf (though I'm deeply grateful for each one). It's knowing that my music has become part of your story. That Semalam played at your wedding. That Sepi helped you through a breakup. That Terus Hidup gave you strength to keep going when you wanted to give up.
To those who are chasing their own dreams right now—whether in music, art, or any other passion—please don't give up. The road might be long, the obstacles might seem impossible, but your voice matters. Your story matters. Keep showing up, keep creating, keep growing. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, but more importantly, believe in yourself even when no one else does.
I'm so excited for what's ahead—new music, new experiences, new ways to connect with you. But right now, in this moment, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for seeing me, for hearing me, for walking this path with me. You've made me braver, stronger, and more determined to keep creating art that matters.
This isn't just my journey—it's ours. And I'm so grateful to have you by my side.
With all my heart and endless gratitude,
Aina
P.S. — Keep dreaming, keep believing, and never apologize for being beautifully, authentically you. The world needs your light.