Atilia Haron channels good vibes through her artistry, with a warmth that radiates both on and off stage. Photos: YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
Atilia Haron has always followed her own tempo – the singer has over the years carved out a space for herself, constantly evolving with changing times and settling into her own as a musician.
The daughter of iconic singer Salamiah Hassan, Atilia grew up with music in her bones, forging her own path in the entertainment industry from an early age – notably landing the lead rode in a Coca-Cola commercial at the age of 12.
Through the years, she hustled on, letting her artistry unfold on her own terms.
Today, Atilia is many things: singer, actress, yoga teacher, cat mum, design collaborator and the kind of person who lights up a room with her positive energy.
An illustrious journey
Effortlessly warm, Atilia as an individual is a treat to be around – her cheeky wit and infectiously sunny disposition put everyone around her at ease.
During our cover shoot, the singer graciously shares her creative space with us, strumming on a guitar and ad-libbing into a microphone.
“Over the years, my artistry has grown alongside both my personal experiences and the rapid changes in the industry,” says Atilia, who is gearing up for a concert with her mother on Aug 16, 2025.
“Early in my career, I focused on mastering my craft and understanding the nuances of performance. A major turning point was when I began collaborating with artists from different backgrounds – those moments challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and experiment with new styles,” she says.
She notes that another milestone was embracing digital platforms, which allowed her to connect with a wider audience and express herself in more diverse ways.
“Each phase, from my first major performance to my latest project, has shaped my voice and vision as an artist,” says Atilia.
Being an artist in today’s age of social media and endless connectivity, the dynamics of being an artist have changed dramatically, and Atilia is definitely experiencing this.
“When I started, artists relied heavily on traditional media and word-of-mouth to reach audiences. Now, social media allows for immediate, direct interaction with fans, which is both exciting and demanding. There’s a greater emphasis on authenticity – audiences want to see the real person behind the art,” she says.
Another milestone was embracing digital platforms, which allowed her to connect with a wider audience and express herself in more diverse ways.
While this connectivity has made receiving feedback and sharing her work more seamless, it also means maintaining a consistent presence and engaging in real-time conversations, which she says can be both rewarding and challenging.
“Music production is now more accessible – anyone can create and share from their own space. The industry has become more artist-driven, with creators having greater control over their work and brand,” says Atilia.
“Fan interactions are now instant and ongoing, which builds a stronger community but also raises expectations for constant engagement. This democratisation has opened up incredible opportunities, but it’s also made the landscape more competitive and fast-paced,” she adds.
Intuitive connection
Next week, Atilia will share the stage with her mother in a highly-anticipated concert.
Gelombang Bahagiaku, which will be held at the Plenary Theatre, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), will feature new material with Atilia’s earlier work reinterpreted in a fresh way.
“The show will feature some exciting collaborations and interactive elements that I hope will create a memorable experience for everyone,” says Atilia.
Salamiah, a revered voice in the Malaysian music industry with a career spanning over five decades, is a true inspiration.
At 74, she remains active in the performance landscape and keeps herself fit with regular exercise.
As a run-up to the concert, Salamiah and Atilia released the song Age Is Just A Number, a positive and uplifting tune about being yourself regardless of age – a trait that both singers live and breathe.
“Performing with my mother is incredibly special,” says Atilia. “The best part is the deep, intuitive connection we share on stage – there’s a level of trust and understanding that’s hard to replicate. We inspire and support each other creatively.
“Of course, it’s not without its challenges; sometimes, our personal relationship can blur into our professional lives, making it tricky to separate feedback from family dynamics,” she says.
At the end of the day, the rewards far outweigh the challenges, and Atilia says they have both learned to communicate openly and respect each other’s artistic space.
“My mom is funny and silly. I love that,” she says.
Living her best life
Apart from her artistry, Atilia also teaches yoga at her own studio, Hippie Hub.
Focusing on mindfulness, breath and inclusivity, she ensures everyone feels welcome regardless of their experience and background.
“My approach to teaching yoga is holistic – I aim to create a space where students can explore both physical movement and inner stillness,” says Atilia.
“My passion comes from the transformative power yoga has had in my own life and I’m inspired to share those benefits with others, helping them find balance and resilience,” she adds.
These days, her artistry revolves around more self-expression and impact rather than external validation.
“Outside of yoga and my artistic work, I love to just spend my time with Sava, my cat! I’m a bit of a ClassPass junkie and enjoy exploring new fitness classes,” she says.
Has her perspective on fame, success and her own artistry changed throughout the years?
Absolutely, she says.
“Early on, I equated success with visibility and accolades. Over time, I’ve come to value authenticity and personal growth much more. Fame is fleeting, but creating meaningful work and connecting with people on a deeper level is lasting.”
These days, her artistry revolves around more self-expression and impact rather than external validation.
Apart from the concert, Atilia is working on a few creative projects, including a new album.
“I continue to explore ways to blend my artistic and wellness interests. I’m planning for a music and fitness festival!” Atilia says.
Atilia Haron channels good vibes through her artistry, with a warmth that radiates both on and off stage. Photos: YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
Another milestone was embracing digital platforms, which allowed her to connect with a wider audience and express herself in more diverse ways.
Apart from the concert, Atilia is working on a few creative projects, including a new album.
These days, her artistry revolves around more self-expression and impact rather than external validation.
