KUCHING: The city of Miri is gearing up to host two electrifying mega concerts this May that promise to bring thousands of visitors to the northern region of Sarawak in a spectacular celebration of music, culture, and community spirit.

First in the line-up is the TVS MeleTOP Concert on 17 May 2025, to be held at the Miri Indoor Stadium. Just days later, on 21 May 2025, the Gawai–Kaamatan Blessing Concert will take centre stage, featuring none other than Malaysia’s legendary Rock Queen, Ella, in a star-studded evening of East Malaysian cultural pride.

Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the large-scale music events will not only be a treat for music lovers but also inject a vibrant boost into the local economy.

“Events of this magnitude draw in fans from across Malaysia and even from neighbouring regions such as Brunei and Kalimantan. These visitors contribute directly to our tourism sector — from hotels and eateries to local crafts and shopping. It’s a full-circle benefit for Miri,” he said during a press conference held on Thursday to announce the concerts.

Both concerts are free and are expected to pack the venue with enthusiastic crowds, making them a major highlight in Miri’s entertainment calendar and a golden opportunity for local businesses.

What makes this year’s concert series even more historic is that it marks the first-ever collaboration between TVS and Astro, bringing the popular MeleTOP programme outside Peninsular Malaysia for the very first time.

The TVS MeleTOP Concert will showcase a powerhouse line-up including Dayang Nurfaizah, Hael Husaini, Stacy, Dolla, Floor 88, Namie, and more — a dream ensemble for fans of contemporary Malaysian music.

Meanwhile, the Gawai–Kaamatan Blessing Concert will celebrate East Malaysia’s cultural diversity with performances by Ella, alongside Bob Yusof, Ramles Walter, Dabra Sia, Velvet Aduk, Roxy Ixzy, SMDX, and Marina Jara from Kalimantan, delivering a truly regional experience.

Concertgoers can look forward to a dynamic evening beginning at 7.30 pm, while those unable to attend in person can catch the broadcast of the Gawai–Kaamatan concert on TVS (Astro Channel 122, MYTV, and Unifi TV) on 31 May 2025 at 9.00 pm. It will also be available on Astro ONE and the Sooka streaming platform.

Acting CEO of TVS, Mohamad Sardon Zainal, highlighted Miri’s strategic appeal as the host city.

“With its proximity to Brunei and Kalimantan, and in celebration of its 20th anniversary, this is the perfect moment for Miri to shine as a cultural and musical epicentre,” he said.

Also present at the press conference was Elyna Rahmat, Assistant Vice President of Unscripted Content, Gen Next Astro, who expressed excitement over the collaboration and the chance to bring MeleTOP’s iconic flair to East Malaysia for the first time. -UKASnews