KUALA LUMPUR: Yuna may be Malaysia’s biggest singing sensation in the United States today, but she humbly admits her manager Wawa has been the true heroine in her journey to stardom.
The award-winning singer-songwriter recently uploaded a heartfelt tribute to Wawa on Instastory, describing the manager as her best friend and pillar of strength in trying times.
“Without you, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’ve known you my whole life. You’ve helped me travel around Malaysia for shows and managed me well when I first started playing gigs and taking up jobs.
“We learnt how to start a label together after labels refused to sign me unless I removed my scarf and sang only Malay songs. We used to take meetings with record label giants and people who thought we were kids and never took us seriously.
“We learnt how to face crises together, losing money together and getting people insulting us together. We started Yuna Room Records exactly 10 years ago and now manage local indie artistes we love so that they don’t have to go through what we went through.
“Never take success for granted. Whatever I have today didn’t happen overnight and was not handed to me on a silver platter.
“Although I worked very hard I didn’t do it all by myself. I had a handful of people who truly love me and want to see me succeed, especially you, Wawa,” wrote Yuna in her tribute.
Yuna also said she was thankful that Wawa was still her “manager and best friend”.
Netizens were moved by Yuna’s tribute to Wawa, and many described her as a “true star”.
Nur Afiqah said: “Very inspiring and much respect. You're the real definition of a star. I’ve met you thrice and you’re super humble even though you’re an international artiste. It’s rare yet your strength and attitude are very admirable. Hope only great things will come your way.”
Adam said: “True friends go through hardship and overcome it together. It’s never easy to find success.”
Panda said: “My heart goes to Yuna and Wawa. They’ve strived hard to bring up promising indie artistes so that they don’t have to go through what they endured.”