Gunning for the global stage
Rocketfuel Entertainment continues to grow its stable of talents and is aiming for a borderless market, writes Tahir Alhamzah
WINNER of the second season of Ceria Popstar, Masya Masyitah is in two minds about her new singing venture. Masya, whose full name is Siti Nur Masyitah Yusoff, will be leaving for Beijing next month to take part in China’s reality series, The Coming One (Season 3).
“Although I’m excited to be taking part in this reality series, I’m also a bit worried as I will be going there alone,” says the 19-yearold who emerged winner in Astro’s reality show back in 2017.
Also, next month marks the beginning of the fasting month.
“The programme will air for three months, and there’s also the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive period which I do not even want to think about just yet,” shares Masya.
"I am preparing tirelessly for the chance of a lifetime.”
Masya admits that while her command of Mandarin is not great, it is enough for simple conversations.
She picked up the language when she attended SMJK Chio Min in Kulim, Kedah during her secondary school days.
“I have been attending a vocal class
taught by a Mandarin-speaking teacher to help me polish my pronunciation. I also have been watching YouTube videos as a guide,” says Masya who is part of the new talents who signed up with Rocketfuel Entertainment, Astro's talent management company.
The company recently announced that it has signed up new talents as part of its efforts to grow its talent and influencer marketing agency, record label and digital content network into new markets.
The company is confident about its bold move to go international.
“Our shows are big hits all across the Asia Pacific, proving that content aggregation and delivery have truly become borderless,” says Murali Marimuthu, Rocketfuel’s head honcho who is also known as the Admiral.
Besides Masya, among its new faces is Ash Stymest. Originally based in Los Angeles, the UK-born star is a model and actor, and is currently pursuing a music career.
He has recently signed a global deal with Interscope Records North America (whose acts include Eminem, BlackPink, and Selena Gomez) and Universal International with his first EP to be released in the coming months.
Meanwhile, Chaleeda Gilbert, Rocketfuel’s first international signing, is enjoying success in her music and acting career.
“Chaleeda has been cast in a Netflix Original Series called The Stranded, directed by Jim-Sophon Sakdaphisit (who directed Thai movies such as The Promise, and Shutter), and produced by Oscar-nominated Gary Levinhson (12 Monkeys, Saving Private Ryan),” says Murali.
Rocketfuel’s content network, 16 Baris, is also expanding to Thailand.
A collaborative project developed by Rocketfuel Entertainment and Kartel Records, it is hosted by award-winning rapper and songwriter Joe Flizzow and DJ Cza.
16 Baris Thailand or Sip Hok Bar will be hosted and produced by Thai superstars Daboyway and DJAY Buddah of Thaitanium fame and will feature 45 of Thailand’s top rappers.
The agency will also be working with partners in Australia to launch 16 Bars Australia and 16 Bars New Zealand very soon.
“It’s very inspiring to see how a homegrown idea can be developed and translated in different languages,” adds Murali.
Other artistes who are part of Rocketfuel’s stable of talents are Ummi Nazeera, Ara Johari, Lisa Surihani, Ernie Zakri, Aisyah Aziz, Syamel, Zizan Razak, Hisyam Hamid, Usop and Sufi Rashid.
Rocketfuel has also expanded its talent roster into e-sports through a collaboration with the Facebook Gaming Creators programme where Rocketfuel manages 68 e-sports talents to produce content on the Facebook platform as well as participate in e-sports programmes on Astro’s eGG network.