Iskandar Ismail, who was previously the talk of the town as the most feared challenger on the Gegar Vaganza Season 12 stage, finally proved his supremacy when he was crowned champion at the finale.
Not waiting long to cement his name further, this sensational Singapore-born star is taking drastic steps in the Malaysian market through the introduction of a ‘power ballad’ titled ‘Mahal’.
Composed by high profile composer Farouk Roman, this song is no ordinary attempt. It is an epic vocal harmonization that pairs Iskandar’s charismatic vocals with the mesmerizing high notes of Idayu.
Produced by Sony Music Malaysia, ‘Mahal’ has begun dominating music charts and was selected as the main soundtrack for a mega 60-episode serial drama 'Mencari Isteri Sempurna' on Astro, proving the premium quality of this work.
Carrying the legacy of his father, 60s legend R. Ismail, along with 20 years of experience as a music figure in Singapore, Iskandar is now fully ready to expand his empire to Malaysia. His success in clinching the Champion title on the GV12 stage was just the beginning, and ‘Mahal’
is proof of his seriousness to remain relevant here.
According to Iskandar, he did not come here simply to try his luck. After over 20 years of building a name in Singapore, this is the best time for him to give his all in Malaysia.
The song ‘Mahal’ is his main starlight. He admitted to feeling nervous, but upon being informed he would duet with a powerhouse vocalist like Idayu, he was confident this song would explode. This is not just a song, but a benchmark for his career here, he said.
To ensure maximum vocal quality, Iskandar underwent intensive recording sessions under the guidance of Vocal Stylist Afif Tirmizie to ensure every note projected was balanced and capable of matching Idayu’s vocal prowess.
The selection of Idayu as a duet partner brings a huge impact to this song. Known for her high vocal standards, Idayu admits that the energy Iskandar brings to this song is extraordinary.
Idayu shared that from the first time she heard the demo, she immediately fell in love with the soul of the song. The melody is challenging yet satisfying. Iskandar’s vocals sound very mature, and when combined, they trigger a very strong emotion.
The recording process went smoothly because both artists understood the emotional depth desired by Farouk Roman.
‘Mahal’ appears with its own uniqueness as a piece that elevates the dignity of feelings over material things. According to Farouk Roman, the song demands high level interpretation and top-tier vocal technique.
Composer Farouk stated that ‘Mahal’ elevates the true meaning of value in life is not just material wealth, but feelings, honesty, and sacrifice which are often priceless. Idayu’s honest vocals combined with Iskandar’s vocal stability make this collaboration natural, solid, and full of meaning.
The song ‘Mahal’ was available on all digital platforms starting from January 30, 2026.
