Kuala Lumpur: “Tiwikarma” was crowned champion of the 40th Anugerah Juara Lagu (AJL40) held here on Saturday.
The winning entry, performed by K.O.I, was composed by Zai Hamzah and Hemo Globin, with lyrics by Achoi Floor 88, Khaza Raflex, Tuan Nicky, Mya Nana, and Sapik Sam.
The champions walked away with RM100,000 in cash and a trophy.
First runner-up went to “Tak Adil”, performed and penned by Aisha Retno with co-composer Radi, earning RM50,000 in cash and a trophy.
Third place went to “Lumangad Oku Dika”, entirely composed, written, and performed by Sabahan singer-songwriter Ryenald Guntabid, bagging RM30,000 in cash and a trophy.
Sabah-born vocalist Marsha Milan won the Best Vocals award for her rendition of “Tangisan Seorang Pendosa”, a song she co-wrote and composed alongside Hazama, taking home a trophy and RM12,000 in cash.
Aina Abdul claimed the Best Performance award for her self-penned song “Kamu”, which also came with RM12,000 in cash and a trophy.
Aina Abdul was also named the representative for the Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026.
Additionally, Aina was chosen as the Shopee Choice Icon Artist, which came with a RM50,000 prize.
A total of 10 finalists competed at the grand finale.
The other finalists included “Cak Cak Cekuk”, performed by Wani Kayrie and written by Karim Karam, Shane Kennedy, and Iqie Hugh; “Ke Mana Ni”, performed by Luca Sickta, Kmy Kmo, and Salammusik, composed by Kmy Kmo and Luca Sickta, with lyrics by Kmy Kmo, Luca Sickta, and Salam; and “Nurcinta”, performed and co-written by Amir Masdi alongside Edry Abd Halim.
Completing the finalist line-up were “Lemah”, performed by Dayang Nurfaizah and written by Hael Husaini, as well as “Semacam Pandora”, performed by Hazama, composed by Hazama, Zimi, Genervie Kam, and Ritz Metalasia, with lyrics penned by Zel Hadauan.
The competition was evaluated by a nine-member professional jury panel led by music director Datuk Hashridz Murshim Hassim, better known as Acis.
This year's edition carried the theme “Celebrating Four Decades: The Evolution and Future of Malaysian Music”.
