As the clock winds down on 2025, and we prepare to welcome a brand-new year, it’s worth pausing to reflect on how far Malaysian talent has travelled, not just within our borders, but onto some of the biggest stages in regional and international entertainment. This part year wasn’t about numbers or virality alone, it was about breaking barriers, crossing industries, and rewriting what representation looks like.
These are among a few Malaysian artists who made 2025 unforgettable, through landmark film appearances, cross-industry debuts, and cultural breakthroughs that will echo well into 2026.
Darkkey: From Samba Rock Pioneer to Tamil Cinema Milestone
2025 marked a defining chapter for Darkkey Nagaraja, not just as a musician, but as a cultural force. The Malaysian legend made waves in Tamil cinema with the song “AK The Tiger” in Good Bad Ugly, one of the year’s biggest blockbuster films starring Ajith Kumar, Trisha, Arjun Das and many more. Darkkey didn’t just lend his voice to the film, he appeared on screen and contributed to the soundtrack, firmly embedding Malaysian talent into a massive South Indian production.
This achievement was followed by another crowning moment, Darkkey being honoured with the Behindwoods Gold Icon Award, recognizing his pioneering role in creating the Samba Rock movement. His fusion of Tamil rhythms with rock and funk has inspired generations across Malaysia and India with Darkkey standing as a symbol of fearless musical innovation. Adding to the momentum, Darkkey’s life story is set to be immortalized in an upcoming biopic ‘Aku Darkkey’, scheduled for release in 2026. The film reflects the magnitude of his journey, one that continues to bridge cultures and redefine Samba Rock and Tamil music on a global stage.
Yogi B Brings Malaysian Rap Power to Kaantha
Another proud Malaysian moment came with Yogi B, whose voice and words have long shaped Tamil hip-hop culture. In 2025, the rap legend penned and performed a fiery Tamil rap for “Range of Kaantha”, a key track from Dulquer Salmaan’s upcoming film Kaantha.
The collaboration reinforced Yogi B’s enduring relevance and influence, proving once again that Malaysian-origin Tamil rap holds its own within mainstream Indian cinema, not as a novelty, but as a respected creative force.
Irfan’s Continued Presence in Thalapathy Vijay’s Cinematic Journey
For Irfan Zaini, 2025 was another step forward in a steadily growing cross-border career. Already familiar to Vijay fans through earlier appearances in Kuruvi and GOAT, Irfan is now part of Thalapathy Vijay’s final film, Jana Nayagan.
Being associated with a milestone project in Vijay’s legendary career is no small feat, and Irfan’s repeated inclusion signals trust, consistency, and the quiet rise of Malaysian talent within Tamil cinema’s inner circles.
Datin Shaila Nair & Shameshan Mark a New Chapter with Balas Balik
2025 became a milestone year for Datin Shaila V Nair and Shameshan Mani Maran as they expanded their creative journey into the Malay film industry with Balas Balik. Datin Shaila has long been recognized for delivering quality Tamil-language films, Astro telemovies, and series, steadily building a reputation for consistency and strong storytelling.
With Balas Balik, Datin Shaila officially stepped into Malay cinema for the first time as a producer, signaling a new phase of growth for the production house. Adding to this milestone is Shameshan Mani Maran, whose musical work has been widely appreciated across Tamil films and series. His background score for Balas Balik received positive responses, further strengthening anticipation around his evolving body of work.
Balas Balik represents more than a debut, it reflects creative expansion, collaboration and confidence as both Datin Shaila V Nair and Shameshan take their artistry into a new cinematic space.
Pashini Steps Into a New Phase with Her Malay Film Debut
Actress Pashini reached a significant career milestone in 2025 with her Malay film debut in Kari Kumari. Taking on the lead role of Kumari, this marks a fresh chapter in her evolving journey within the Malaysian industry. With Kari Kumari, Pashini adds another dimension to her career, embracing new opportunities and closing the year by achieving a meaningful milestone that sets the tone for what lies ahead in 2026.
Looking Ahead With Pride
As we step into 2026, this milestone reminds us that Malaysian artists are no longer waiting for doors to open, they are building their own pathways across industries, languages, and borders. Their journeys reflect courage, persistence, and a belief that local stories deserve global platforms. This list is not definitive, but it is a celebration. A celebration of Malaysians who dared to dream bigger in 2025, and who carry that momentum forward into the year ahead.
Here’s to more breakthroughs, louder applause, and stories that travel far beyond home.
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