Singapore's Music Legend Anita Sarawak Spotted in Las Vegas After Decade-Long Hiatus!
2024-12-31
Author: Jia
In a captivating turn of events, the iconic Singaporean pop diva Anita Sarawak has resurfaced in Las Vegas, sending waves of nostalgia through the regional media. Despite a public absence that has stretched over a decade, the 72-year-old entertainer continues to capture attention, proving that true stars never fade away.
On December 31, a delightful photo of Anita with her British husband, Mohamad Mahathir Abdullah, was released, taken by her foster brother, Shuib Taib. Although the photo was labelled as “recent,” the exact timing remains a mystery, leaving fans curious about what the trailblazing artist has been up to.
Roslen Fadzil, a former entertainment editor for the New Straits Times, shared the photograph on Instagram, along with a heartwarming anecdote about his efforts to reconnect her with the music scene. Roslen revealed that he acted as an intermediary for a concert promoter, but Anita graciously declined the invitation, reaffirming her desire to embrace a quieter, more private existence away from the spotlight.
Once known as the “Asian Dynamite,” Anita Sarawak, whose real name is Ithnaini Mohamed Taib, defined the music scene in Singapore and Malaysia during the 1970s with her powerful voice and dynamic performances. With a career that spanned four decades, Anita dazzled audiences and emerged as a beloved figure, performing in renowned venues including Las Vegas from 1985 to 2001.
After stepping back from her bustling career in 2010, fans and media speculated about her whereabouts and the reasons behind her exit. Family life became a priority; Anita is the daughter of celebrated figures in the entertainment world—her father was the late actor-director S. Roomai Nor, and her mother, Siput Sarawak, was a celebrated actress of the Malay cinema’s golden age.
Despite her absence from the limelight, Anita’s influence remains significant. She made a celebrated return to public consciousness in 2017 when she was inducted into the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame, which acknowledges the remarkable contributions of women in the nation. Reports indicate that she had been living a low-key life in Las Vegas during that time.
In an update as recent as 2022, Mr. Shuib shared that Anita has been enjoying her life, and her health remains good. Her sister, artist Noor Kumalasari, confirmed that Anita's marriage is flourishing and that she is entirely content with her decision to live a life outside of the entertainment industry in America.
As Anita Sarawak continues to enjoy her retirement away from the stage, her legacy as a pop icon and her impact on the Southeast Asian music scene endure, sparking continued interest and affection from fans around the world. Will the talented diva ever make a comeback? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain—Anita Sarawak will always hold a special place in the hearts of her admirers.