Jury’s Out! Here Are The Winners For JUICE’s Best Of 2025

By JUICE Malaysia  •  22 Dec 2025 in Features

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2025 was a year that refused to play it safe, and JUICE’s Best Of winners show exactly why.

From music that hits hard to events that kept crowds buzzing long after the lights went down, the year was full of moments that demanded attention. These are the artists, acts, and experiences that shaped the local scene, pushed boundaries, and left a mark on Malaysia’s cultural landscape.

Whether in the studio, on stage, or in the streets, the creativity, energy, and fearless attitude of this year’s highlights prove that the scene is alive, restless, and thriving like never before:

MUSIC

BEST SONG — killamisha, BANNED IN KL

A powerful response to censorship and public scrutiny, Banned in KL is unapologetic and uncompromising. Resonating beyond music, the track marked a pivotal moment for artistic freedom and self-expression in Malaysia, cutting through the noise and positioning killamisha as one of the most vital voices in the local music landscape.

BEST ALBUM — Midnight Fusic, Modus Operandi

Modus Operandi stood out for its refined alt-rock sound and clear artistic direction. Balancing emotional songwriting with confident production, the EP delivers a cohesive and polished listening experience. It captures Midnight Fusic at a moment of creative clarity, making it one of the year’s most accomplished local releases.

BEST ALBUM COVER — Loko, Pemuda

The cover features gritty, urban imagery and bold typography that reflect youth rebellion and street culture. Its mixed-media style, with hints of a Picasso-esque influence, gives it a striking, artistic edge that perfectly complements the album’s energy.

BEST COLLAB — Against Mel, F.Rider, Sophiarazk, MelayuSwagGiler

Against Mel, F.Rider, and Sophiarzk have different musical sounds, yet on MelayuSwagGiler they click perfectly. Their chemistry made it one of the year’s most viral songs with a bold, infectious attitude and an unapologetically fun swagger. This collaboration turned heads and defined the year in local music.

BEST BAND — hawa

hawa have cemented themselves as one of the most compelling forces in the local music scene. The band became Eff Hakim’s reinvention and a lifeline for the scene. Her debut album bursts with riot grrrl energy, blending raw punk aggression with sharp melodies and honest, unapologetic lyrics. With hawa, Eff not only reclaimed her voice but also revitalised the local scene, showing that growth, resilience, and fearless creativity can inspire a whole community.

BEST SOLO ACT — killamisha

A solo act most unafraid of controversy, pushing boundaries, and raw expression. killamisha stands as an emblem of a generation that fights for their voice and individuality. Her work reflects the spirit of youth determined to claim their space, proving that artistry and authenticity are never things to compromise.

BEST NEW ARTISTE — Women & Children

Women & Children spin ethereal sonic-pop into something dreamy, psychedelic, and unmistakably their own. As all-rounder DIY artists, they create their music, album art, and videos, making every part of their work a reflection of their adventurous spirit. With a curious name and fearless approach, they have stormed the local scene as one of the year’s most exciting new acts.

BEST DJ — Miko Naiko

Ipoh-born DJ Miko Naiko made waves with her Pestapora debut this year, standing out as a hijabi performer rewriting the rules of the local dance scene. A self-proclaimed opponent of genre elitism, she mixes sounds fearlessly, crafting sets that are as unpredictable as they are irresistible. Bold, playful, and unapologetically herself, Miko Naiko proves that talent, creativity, and attitude can move any crowd and leave a lasting mark on the scene.

EVENTS

BEST CONCERT — Green Day

Green Day wowed Malaysia with their first-ever Kuala Lumpur show on 18 February 2025 at the National Hockey Stadium. Their set was a nonstop blast of punk anthems, 2000s nostalgia, and pure rebellion, making the night one for the bucket list. Billie Joe and the crowd fed off each other’s energy, creating chaos that proved punk is still very much alive.

BEST PRODUCT LAUNCH — ZUS Coffee’s Blue Buddy

ZUS Coffee set the bar with their Blue Buddy launch, the plushie everyone could not stop talking about. By turning a simple product into a story people felt, they had Malaysians lining up just to bring home their own soft blue sidekick. Who knew a plushie could make this much of an emotional splash?

BEST FESTIVAL — TAPAUfest

TAPAUfest wins by a landslide, scooping nearly 50% of all Best Festival votes and proving it is Malaysia’s favourite spot for the young and indie. Music, fashion, and good vibes come together to make it a can’t-miss hangout for fans and bands alike. If you were in the scene, you already know this was the place to be.

FASHION

BEST DESIGNER — GHOSTBOY

GHOSTBOY dominated the votes thanks to their against-the-grain ethos, weaving youth culture, rebellion, and the beautifully irregular into bold and playful designs that effortlessly challenge the norm. The Kuala Lumpur-based design label embodies the spirit of individuality like no other.

BEST STREETWEAR — SVG Worldwide

SVG Worldwide has proven that you don’t need to start off big to make it big, and it’s no surprise. From street culture essentials to high-fashion concepts, the only way the label’s headed now is onwards and upwards.

BEST ACCESSORIES — Oh Dayang

What do you get when you fuse handmade batik sarong with other elements like crystals and pearls? None other than Oh Dayang. Instead of generic-looking jewellery, you get statement pieces with a tasteful hit of Nusantara flair.

BEST SHOES — PUMA Speedcat Ballet

The PUMA Speedcat Ballet blends motorsport racing heritage with elegant Y2K chic, a combination you probably thought would never work out well. But nothing’s impossible, and PUMA has proven just how versatile the ballet flat can be.

BEST THRIFT — LOOOP

Keeping pieces in the loop (literally) means LOOOP has earned its spot as best thrift store, giving new homes to sentimental pieces that have parted from their previous owners. While the things you find here might not be new, they’re most definitely ‘new’ to you.

LIFESTYLE

BEST BAR — Ms Bianca

Rewriting the rules of KL’s nightlife and drinks scene, Ms Bianca was born from a desire to challenge the norm. Everything, including the music, menu, and the vibe is carefully curated by women, for women. But the magic of Ms Bianca lies in the finer details.

BEST CLUB — 404 Club Not Found

Malaysia’s first micro club, 404 Club Not Found is an intimate, high-energy bolt of Shanghai-born nightlife packed into a sub-1,000 sq. ft. space of curated music and avant-garde visuals. But it’s not just some club that anyone can walk into. And that’s how it stays exclusive.

BEST LIVE HOUSE — fono

A Malaysian-born listening room with global soul, fono is part jazz haunt, part selector hub, and part collaborative playground. It’s always evolving, and most importantly, always welcoming.

BEST CAFÉ — Plump

Winning by a landslide, Plump is a bright, welcoming café where brunch, coffee, and desserts collide in a fresh, photogenic space perfect for lingering or working. Are you surprised? We’re not.

BEST HEALING — Sekeping Serendah

A rainforest retreat of glass-to-steel chalets, open-air showers, and zero reception—what more could you ask for if you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life? It’s a raw, soul-resetting return to nature.

PERSON OF THE YEAR

LIDIA CHATURA

Lidia Chatura lit up KLFW this year, walking multiple runways with a vibe that is part ethereal, part punk, and all her own. Based between KL and Seoul, she blends modelling, art, and performance into something fresh and unpredictable. Our new face of fashion, we believe she’s set to take over the world… one flavoured ciggie at a time.

That’s it for 2025, folks! Thanks for letting us know who your MVP’s are. Our massive congrats to all winners and nominees!

Same time next year? 😉