KUALA LUMPUR — JessC has once again made her mark on the global music stage, with two of her songs advancing to the finals of the 2026 InterContinental Music Awards (ICMA).
Her Malay-language festive track “Mari Menari Raya,” a collaboration with Malaysian entertainment icon Dato’ AC Mizal, emerged from entries worldwide to win the Best of Asia – Asian Hip-Hop & Urban Award. Meanwhile, her other release, “Dekati,” was named a finalist in the Asian Pop category.
The 2026 ICMA attracted submissions from musicians and creators representing more than 100 countries and territories worldwide, spanning Asia, Europe, the Americas, Africa and Oceania. Participants came from countries and regions including Malaysia, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, India, Mongolia, the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, South Africa and the Åland Islands in Northern Europe.
Compared with previous editions, which drew participation from more than 70 countries, the 2026 awards saw an even broader international reach and an increasingly diverse field of competition.
For JessC, having two songs of distinctly different musical styles reach the finals — with a Malay-language song rich in Malaysian festive culture ultimately taking home an award — carries special significance.
“What makes me happiest is that two songs with completely different styles were both recognised by an international panel of judges,” JessC said. “For ‘Mari Menari Raya’ to ultimately win is especially meaningful to me because the song carries such a strong Malaysian cultural identity.”
While “Dekati” showcases JessC’s contemporary pop sensibilities, “Mari Menari Raya” captures the celebratory spirit of Hari Raya by blending modern pop with hip-hop and urban rhythms, presenting Malaysian culture through a youthful and internationally accessible sound.
JessC believes Malaysia’s multicultural identity is one of the country’s greatest strengths when bringing its music to the world.
“We have different languages, celebrations and ethnic cultures, and all of these give us an incredibly rich musical landscape,” she said. “They are not limitations. They are some of the most valuable and distinctive qualities Malaysian music has to offer.”
The achievement also marks JessC’s second consecutive year of recognition at the ICMA.
In 2025, she won the Asian Pop award with her Mandarin song “My Style”. In 2026, “Dekati” once again advanced to the Asian Pop finals, while “Mari Menari Raya” went on to claim the Best of Asia – Asian Hip-Hop & Urban honour.
“Mari Menari Raya” has also earned recognition from other international music awards, having previously received a Platinum Award at the 2026 LIT Music Awards and a Bronze Medal at the U.S.-based Global Music Awards.
From International Music Recognition to Australia
As news of her latest international music achievement arrived, JessC was already in the midst of a packed schedule.
Shortly after completing a celebration event and press conference in Kuching, she flew to Australia to participate in a table tennis competition, before moving directly into her scheduled work commitments there.
“Music will always be a very important part of my life, but sports and work also allow me to meet different people and experience different things,” JessC said. “It is definitely a very busy schedule, but every day feels meaningful and fulfilling.”
With her Australian work commitments now confirmed, JessC’s “My Style” World Tour Concert in Kuching, originally scheduled for December 4 and 5, 2026, has been rescheduled to February 26 and 27, 2027.
The venue remains unchanged at Pullman Hotel, Kuching.
Her team said the additional preparation time will be used to further refine and enhance the concert experience.
JessC also expressed her apologies and gratitude to fans for their patience and continued support.
“I’m truly grateful to all my friends and supporters in Kuching who have been supporting me all this while, and I’m sorry that everyone will have to wait a little longer,” she said. “Since we now have more preparation time, we want to make the concert even better and make sure everyone feels that the wait was worthwhile.”
