“I was actually born and bred to be a lawyer but I was rebellious. I didn’t tell my family or friends that I was posting music on Youtube as KokoKaina. My parents knew that I love singing but I was really afraid at first. It’s why I kept it a secret.”
About the episode
In this podcast episode, singer-songwriter and Malaysian sweetheart Zee Avi shares the dreams she had growing up as a Sarawakian.
She opens up about what led her back home to reconnect with the local music scene after residing in the United States for many years.
Besides that, she also touches on advocating for anti-bullying and mental health and what inspired her to take a stand.
If you’re ever curious about Zee Avi’s song-writing process you’re in for a treat! Aspiring musicians and songwriters can look forward to her honest advice on succeeding in the local Malaysian music scene.
Getting to know Zee Avi
Zee Avi (@zee.avi on Instagram) is a Malaysian singer-songwriter, guitarist, ukulele player and visual artist. She made her debut in music in 2009 when she signing to Brushfire Records. Her debut would make her the first Malaysian to reach many international marks in the US and Asia.
She has performed at esteemed festivals and on many iconic stages, performing tours in the US, Asia, and 6 different cities in China, and much recently, Bangalore, India.
Zee’s songs have also appeared in ads, TV series like Gossip Girl, Parenthood, Private Practice, Good Doctor, SPY and in movies like 21 Jump Street, The Oranges and Ola Bola.
Now, more than 10 years later, Zee is a self-funded, independent artist who is still creating music for her long term appreciators around the world.