Young Sarawak star Aleysha drops debut single, plans Sanremo Junior outing in Italy

KUCHING (Feb 10): With ambitions that stretch beyond borders, 12-year-old Sarawakian singer Aleysha Shareef Van Der Horst is setting her sights on the international stage, with plans to compete in major global music contests and collaborate with world-renowned artistes as she builds her career.

As part of those plans, the rising star will represent Malaysia at the 17th Sanremo Junior World Finals in Italy this April, a milestone she sees as one of several key steps in her musical journey this year.

“My next plan is to join more big competitions. I will be going to Italy at Sanremo to represent Malaysia,” she told reporters at Star on Stage here after the launch of her first single Shine Like Us.

Shine Like Us was written and produced in Los Angeles by Emmanuel “Manny” Mijares, who has worked with international artistes such as Stevie B, Snoop Dogg, Craig David, Dua Lipa, Kelly Rowland and Pitbull.

“I feel happy. The first recording was not as good as the raw version. When you actually master it, it sounds very nice,” she said.

Looking ahead, she expressed her dream of collaborating with international pop star Ariana Grande or Malaysian music icon Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza.

She is also currently working on her next single, which has already been lined up and is undergoing the mastering process.

Her mother, Shirley Hasmani Eddie, said the releases would be done progressively.

“Maybe in the next two or three months, the song will be released. We will release them step by step. That means (we) are actually working on a full album, so a Malay song will also be released later,” she said.

Aleysha added that there are plans for her to improve her Dutch language skills and release a song in Dutch in the future.

However, for now, there are no plans to hold a local showcase.

In her preparation and training, she maintains discipline in her vocal practice.

“I do vocal warm-ups and practise daily so I can sing anytime,” she said.

Shirley added that her daughter is currently in Grade 5 at a music school, majoring in vocal studies, and is also learning to play the piano.

Shine Like Us is now officially released worldwide and is available on major digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud, YouTube, Facebook Music and Amazon Music.

Also present at the launch of her single was the State Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan.