KUALA LUMPUR: Versatile singer-songwriter Amir Jahari emerged the top winner of Anugerah Juara Lagu 38 (AJL38) tonight.
The 31-year-old Sarawakian saw his own composition Hasrat win Best Song and earn him the top prize of RM100,000 in the annual music awards show.
"It is my third time in AJL and my comeback after a decade, this is a most beautiful night for me. Thank you so much dearest fans, friends and family," said Amir in his acceptance speech.
The first runner-up was Sutera performed, written and composed by Aisha Retno.
The second runner-up was Jangan Mati Rasa Itu performed, written and composed by Aina Abdul.
The songs won RM50,000 and RM30,000 respectively.
Aina also won the RM12,000 Best Vocals award and the RM12,000 Popular Singer award based on fans' votes.
Aisha also won the RM12,000 Best Performance award for her spellbinding performance in splendid Javanese costumes which reflected her maternal family's heritage.
The other songs were Astana (Ernie Zakri / Omar K, Syamel Fodzly and Syazriq Azeman), Bintang (Hael Husaini), Santai (Naqiu / Faizal Tahir), Inilah Jalannya (Masdo / Noh Salleh), Darah (Marsha Milan Londoh / Naim Daniel and Firdaus Rahmat), Kalam (Shiha Zikir / Iqie Hugh, John Jeeves and Firdaus Rahmat), Kucuma (Wany Hasrita and Afieq Shazwan / A Ramlee and Ezra Kong), Waktu (Ziana Zain and Hasif Upin / Iqie Hugh, John Jeeves and Firdaus Rahmat), and Selagi Ku Ada (Khai Bahar and Nabila Razali / Amylea Azizan).
The annual song competition was broadcast live from the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil at 9pm on TV3.
It was co-hosted by Sherry Alhadad and Alif Satar with Fiza Saad and Fizi Ali handling the red carpet segment at 8.30pm.
The show themed Muzikaverse also featured performances by Shila Amzah, Vanessa Reynauld, Ella, Datuk Zainalabidin and Dayang Nurfaizah.
Since its inception in 1986, AJL has honoured the year's best songs, composers, lyricists and vocalists based on the weekly chart show Muzik Muzik.
