Reveling in Mawi mania

FANS of Akademi Fantasia 3 (AF3) winner, 24-year-old Mawi, in his home state cut across barriers of age, gender and status. 

This was clearly evident when some 10,000 people converged at Padang Awam Felda Taib Andak in Kulai to catch their favourite kampung boy being crowned the new champ during a live telecast of the AF3 showdown at Stadium Malawati, Shah Alam, on Saturday. 

The Johor Sultan’s daughter, Tunku Muna Najiah Sultan Iskandar, was among the VIPs who gathered with the villagers to watch the three-hour event on two large screens and four television sets around the field. 

Many brought picnic mats and newspapers to sit on and started taking up “good seats” as early as 7.30pm. 

Some also came prepared with snacks and titbits as the results were only going to be announced at 11.30pm. 

When the voting lines closed at 11pm, fans were on edge and waited eagerly for AF3 host Aznil Nawawi to announce the winner. 

The crowd roared with joy when Mawi, also known as Azmawi Ani, won his first subsidiary title – Best Vocal – and the roar was even louder when he won his second – Best Performance. 

A fireworks display started a little prematurely and the 10-minute display ended just before Mawi was named the winner. 

Mawi’s closest rival was Felix Agus, 23, from Sabah, while Amylea Azizan, 19, from Kedah, came in third and Marsha Milan Londoh, 20, from Sabah, emerged fourth.  

Mawi’s fans jumped for joy and did victory dances during his speech. 

Haslina Abu Bakar, 28, said the drive from Kota Tinggi had been worth it and she had always been confident that Mawi would win. 

“I can’t remember how much I spent but it doesn’t matter,” said the elated fan, who had travelled in a convoy of four cars with 19 other screaming fans. 

Her friend, Lisa Rostam, 19, who was equally excited, said they cried when they heard the results. 

“It was unbelievable. He won it and that’s fantastic news. I wish him all the best,” she added. 

“I am glad to be here with so many of his fans. This is good news and I’m proud that a Johorean won,” he said. 

Peddlers seized the opportunity to set up stalls to cater to hungry and thirsty fans.  

“Please don’t be mistaken. I, too, am a huge fan of Mawi and have done my fair share of SMS voting, but this is a good chance for business. 

“I topped up my (handphone) credit to vote while working,” said Abdul Ghani Ahmad, 38, who had travelled some 100km from Johor Baru to Kulai to set up his stall selling drinks.