Legendary singer Frances Yip releases first Malay song in over two decades called ‘Cinta Kita’

KUALA LUMPUR: Legendary singer Frances Yip has spent 55 years as a singer but nothing can stop her from reaching more milestones.

She is set to release a Bahasa Malaysia song “Cinta Kita” on Spotify by the middle of December.

The song is composed by renowned Indonesian musician Yovie Widianto.

Yip said this would be her first Malay song in over 20 years after she sang her version of Widuri, a song made famous by the late Indonesian Broery Marantika.

“Cinta Kita is about the love of two persons. It’s beautifully done,” she said, adding the final touches to the song were being done.

Yip, 77, shared the news in a video interview with Star Media Group advisor Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai.

She said a video would accompany the new single, adding that she hoped her fans in Malaysia and Indonesia would appreciate it.

She credited Wow Music Limited, a Hong Kong-based company, for making the record possible.

The Sydney-based singer said the song was first released as a Cantonese version entitled “Gratitude” this year in Hong Kong as a tribute to the composers of her hit songs.

They included the late songwriter Joseph Koo who composed the iconic “Shanghai Beach” her hit song in 1980.

Yip said she had someone who could speak Bahasa Malaysia during the recording as she was aware that the Indonesian pronunciations and intonations were different.

She also made sure she understood the meaning of the lyrics to bring out the emotional meaning to it.

Yip hoped to sing “Cinta Kita” at a possible concert in Jakarta next year.

Previously, she had done versions of “Bengawan Solo” and “Rindu Bayangan” saying she loved these songs.

The singer will be performing in Genting Highlands on Friday (Nov 30) with Maria Cordero and Elisa Chan.

In May, she held a concert in Kuala Lumpur.

“I love coming to KL but I restrain myself from indulging in the food.

“I must have my laksa and one a piece of durian as I am mindful of its possible effect,” she said.

Yip has also been visiting the popular Regent restaurant in Mont Kiara for its chilli crabs.

She also spent her free time at the golf courses in Australia, playing “at least three times a week.”

She is also looking forward to a Christmas break with her family in Sydney.

As for 2025, she would be performing at two casinos in the United States during the Chinese New Year.

A concert is also been planned in Shanghai, China.