The Queendom Fest 2023, held at Central Rooftop Garden, Lalaport BBCC, marked a significant moment for Malaysia’s music scene. This festival, pioneered by artist Zamaera and supported by Limkokwing University, celebrated women in the arts and offered invaluable real-world experiences to its student volunteers.
Zamaera, the driving force behind Queendom Fest, shared her enthusiasm and relief post-event. “It didn’t rain; my mom prayed really hard for that. Thank you, mom,” she joked. She explained that the festival’s genesis was a simple idea that expanded into an inclusive platform for female artists. “After almost 20 years in entertainment, I realised the gap in representation of female talents onstage,” Zamaera said. This realisation birthed Queendom Fest, a concept initially named something entirely different, which Zamaera playfully suggested could be “a tale for a two-hour podcast.”
Discussing the festival’s core theme, Zamaera reflected on her evolution from being ‘one of the boys’ in hip-hop to embracing her femininity. “As I moved into my womanhood, I resonated with a lot of women,” she expressed, emphasising the importance of women supporting each other in creative industries. For Zamaera, it’s about nurturing a community where women see each other not as competitors but as confidantes and collaborators. Adorned with pink rabbits and crowns, the festival symbolised unity and empowerment.
Nur Batrisya Mohd Nazri, better known by her stage name Sya, a Limkokwing University alumna and Malaysia’s first female rapper with Def Jam South East Asia, highlighted the festival’s role in showcasing female talents. Starting her career in 2020, Sya has rapidly become a recognised name. “It’s my first all-female music festival, and I love it,” Sya shared, highlighting the festival’s role in amplifying female talent. She emphasised the unseen efforts of women in entertainment, saying, “We do so much behind the scenes as much as being in front of the scene.”
Dounia Bouneb, a final-year Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Marketing student from Algeria, described her role in bridging student volunteers with the festival’s organising team. The experience, according to Dounia, was a valuable lesson in leadership and team management. Her advice to fellow students is to actively engage in real-world experiences where invaluable skills and personal growth are fostered. “Dealing with people is very hard, especially when guiding and selecting volunteer tasks,” she stated.
As Queendom Fest wrapped up, it left an indelible mark not only on its attendees but also on the participating students from Limkokwing University. Attendees left with a sense of belonging and inspiration, while the student volunteers gained more knowledge. The event was a vibrant educational opportunity, offering real-world experience in event management and teamwork. Zamaera’s parting words summed up the spirit of the festival: “Chase after your dreams. Don’t be afraid. Success is a journey filled with experiences, including failures.”
The success of Queendom Fest underscores the importance of practical learning experiences in higher education and highlights the growing recognition of female artists in Malaysia’s entertainment industry. As Limkokwing University continues to support such initiatives, it reaffirms its commitment to fostering real-world skills and championing creative expression among its students. The path from the classroom to the professional stages is indeed one of growth and self-discovery.
