In Penang, a Malay couple has gained recognition for their unique ability to perform songs in multiple Chinese dialects, captivating diverse audiences across the state. Nur Sharbanum Othman, 47, known professionally as Shamimie, recently showcased her multilingual vocal talents at a live event held at Juru Auto City, delivering renditions in Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, and Teochew.

At the event, Nur Sharbanum opened with "Jiu Gan Tang Bue Bo" (Any Empty Wine Bottles for Sale), a well-known Mandarin pop song famously performed by Taiwanese artist Su Rui, despite its Hokkien title. She followed with "Hoi Fut Tin Hung" (Boundless Sea and Sky) by Hong Kong rock band Beyond, continued with the Hokkien piece "Ai Piah Chia Eh Yia" (Fight to Win), and concluded with a Teochew number titled "Kwee Chang Gweh Gahng Beh Swahn Nyah," which translates to "braving all hardships to make a living." Her husband, Abdul Khalid Salleh, 62, who accompanies her on guitar, also contributed with a duet of the Mandarin song "Wo Men Bu Yi Yang" (We are Different). Abdul Khalid, a retired civil servant, has a musical background that includes releasing an album in 1988.

The couple maintain an active performing schedule, appearing roughly three times a week at various venues such as public events, banquets, and private functions. Their multilingual repertoire regularly earns appreciation from Malaysia’s racially diverse audiences.

Nur Sharbanum’s passion for Chinese music began in childhood. Growing up, she was introduced to the genre at age nine by learning her first Chinese song through Pinyin transliteration, as she could not read the Chinese script. Her father’s role as a special assistant to the Sultan of Selangor provided her early exposure; she even joined a band based at the palace during her youth. Later, during secondary school, she took formal Mandarin classes and, after moving to Penang in 1990, acquired proficiency in Hokkien. Her experience working at a Chinese supermarket further deepened her connection to Chinese language and culture.

Drawing from decades of experience performing at functions and banquets since her twenties, Nur Sharbanum emphasizes the importance of linguistic versatility in Malaysia’s multicultural context. She also notes her ability to sing in Tamil, adding to her multilingual range.

The couple view their performances as a way to foster communal harmony and cultural exchange through music. “It is the spirit of ‘muhibah,’ where we can mingle with different people through music,” Nur Sharbanum said. Through singing in diverse languages, she believes audiences from various backgrounds can come together, enjoy shared cultural experiences, and feel a sense of unity—an embodiment of Malaysia’s multicultural identity.