Candy, all-female rock band from Malaysia, makes a comeback after 20 years with ‘Pistol & Bunga’ show on Sept 20
Malaysia’s pioneering all-female rock band Candy is making a comeback to the music scene after a hiatus of over two decades. The band, consisting of Patricia Robert on vocals and rhythm guitar, Nancy Graggory on bass, along with Anis Kalisa on lead guitar, and Bulan Terry on drums, is set to perform at the “Pistol & Bunga” showcase on September 20 at the Orchestra Hall of the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (Aswara) in Kuala Lumpur.
The announcement of Candy’s return left the band members in awe, with Bulan sharing their initial disbelief upon learning about the upcoming showcase. Despite the excitement, the members admitted to feeling like they were living a dream, especially as they made their way to their own press conference. Anis and Bulan, the newer additions to the band, are thrilled to be part of this event, marking their first live performance with Candy.
While Candy’s hit single “Akan Ku Tunggu” in 1997 earned them critical acclaim, the band plans to embark on a gradual return to the music scene, starting with the Aswara showcase. Patricia emphasized the importance of taking it slow and building up momentum gradually rather than rushing into bigger shows. The band aims to re-establish their presence and connect with fans before diving into larger projects.
The upcoming showcase will see Candy performing songs from both their albums, including tracks that have never been performed live before, such as “Akukah Yang Bersalah.” Nancy highlighted how their initial success with “Akan Ku Tunggu” overshadowed other songs, preventing them from showcasing the full range of their repertoire. The band members expressed regret over not being able to promote their first album extensively due to overwhelming demand for their hit single.
Anis revealed that Candy has been diligently working on new music since before the Covid-19 pandemic, which culminated in the release of their 2024 single “Setia2U.” Despite recent personal challenges, including Anis’s recent childbirth, the band remains dedicated to their craft and the upcoming showcase. The members are committed to overcoming obstacles together and delivering an electrifying performance for their fans.
Aside from the showcase, Candy is also gearing up for the release of a new single, hinting at exciting developments on the horizon. With a legacy that dates back to their formation in 1996, Candy is known for their platinum-selling achievements and notable performances. The collaboration between Candy’s label Neo Gendang and Aswara’s second-year students underscores the band’s enduring influence and relevance in the Malaysian music scene.