Yuna: International Pop-Star from Malaysia

Starting with writing her own songs at the age of 14, Malaysia-born Yunalis binti Mat Zara’ai, professionally known as Yuna, has now blossomed into an international pop-star known for her angelic and ethereal music. She rose to fame after uploading her music onto Myspace, receiving a million streams. Her career grew exponentially after signing a deal with Fader Label in 2011, the same record label that signed Clairo, Neon Indian, and Slayyyter.

After moving to Los Angeles in 2011, Yuna has collaborated with many popular American artists. Her debut single featuring American R&B sensation Usher, “Crush,” peaked at number three in the Billboard Adult R&B chart. She has also worked with Jhené Aiko (“Used to Love You”), Tyler, the Creator (“Castaway,” my personal favorite), and G-Eazy (“Blank Marquee”), to name a few. Her versatility shows through each of her albums, ranging from upbeat songs about being a confident woman, to mellow melodies exploring her vulnerable side, and to romantic and sweet love songs. The Malaysian star continues to stay connected with her roots, as most of her virtual events have been accommodated to the Malaysian time zone and providing Malaysian subtitles for her fans back home.

Graceful, witty, and unapologetically herself through her music and her work, Yuna is definitely a one-of-a-kind artist. Due to the pandemic, all of her tours and events are virtual, but that does not stop her from being the amazing singer and songwriter that she is.

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Ashley Hin

Chopsticks Alley Intern

Ashley is a landscape architecture student and freelance illustrator based in the Bay Area. She hopes to explore more about her own Southeast Asian culture, and also encourages others to do the same. Ashley believes that creativity and culture go hand in hand. When she is not working on her creative projects, she enjoys swimming, gardening, and baking.