Overlooked Gem Layla Sania Becomes Second Malaysian To Grace Times Square Billboard in NYC

By Ameera Rosli  •  23 Jul 2021 in Music

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Having your face plastered on a billboard is a huge deal but you know what’s bigger than that? Having your face on a billboard in Times Square, New York City!

The only Malaysian that has ever graced the coveted world-famous spot in Times Square was R&B superstar and (inter)national sweetheart, Yuna who was not only featured once, but three times.

But now, another Malaysian artist has joined the roster and it’s none other than 19-year-old, Layla Sania.

Signed under Warner Music Malaysia, this hijabi singer, who can sing in fluent Mandarin and Malay, burst into the scene with her debut single ‘Que Sera Sera’ before picking up the momentum and exploding with her latest Mandarin hit, ‘By Your Side’ which currently has over 200,000 views on Youtube.

Representing Singapore and Malaysia for Spotify’s EQUAL Singapore & Malaysia programme, which features female artists from these countries, Layla became artist of the month and the face of the playlist that appeared on the billboard.

Layla is obviously thrilled to be embraced in such a way while being a part of EQUAL, which is a hub that aims to boost women and help bridge the gender gap that is currently present in music.

She shared her excitement on Instagram.

 

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A post shared by Layla Sania 蕾拉 莎妮娅 (@laylasania)

She said, “I’m super grateful to be a part of EQUAL programme by Spotify. This means a lot to me as a singer and I’ve never imagined that I’ll ever be on the billboard in Times Square, New York, following in the footsteps of my fellow Malaysian Yuna and a lot of other amazing international artists.

“I hope I can serve as an inspiration to all female musicians out there, that women have the power to change the world, no matter who and where we are.”

Stream the starlet’s music on Spotify