Classic Movie ~ Vintage Bette Davis : Jezebel (1938)

When I was growing up, Sunday afternoons were special.  My big sister and I loved to watch movies on TV. We both especially loved Bette Davis; whether she was a bad lady or a good girl, she was a SUPER STAR!! 

In this particular movie, she was Julie Morrison, a brazen, sassy, bold, and audacious Southern belle. She dared to be an independent woman with a mind of her own, who challenged society's norms. In the process of being rebellious, arrogant, and contrary, she caused a rift between her and her future husband. What did she do that was so outrageous and shameful? Uumm … she showed up to a party in a red dress!

I was very young at the time, and being that red is my favorite color, I didn't get what all the huffing and puffing was about. My older sister explained to me that refined and cultured women in polite society would never wear a red dress. That's the mark of a whore!! A wicked woman!! A she-devil!!

With that very clear and graphic explanation provided by my big sister, I was able to better understand this scene and this line in the movie, and that also explains the name of the movie.

“𝙄 𝙥𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙗𝙡𝙮 𝙄 𝙖𝙨𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚.” ~ Bette Davis - JEZEBEL (1938)

(All that groveling, and then the man told her he got married and left her in the dust! Her reaction was a typical Southern Belle response.  "You're funning."😲😢)

♦ Bette Davis - "I'm Kneeling To You" from Jezebel (1938)

♦ Filmsite Movie Review: Jezebel (1938) ~ "The film earned a total of five Academy Award nominations with two major Oscar victories. Bette Davis won her second (and last) Academy Award for her portrayal of the tempestuous, manipulative Southern ante-bellum New Orleans belle for Warner Bros." 

More trivia? Bette Davis’s first Oscar was for Best Actress for the film Dangerous (1935).  She wasn’t even officially nominated that year — but her performance was so powerful that the Academy gave her the award through a special write‑in vote. Classic Bette: too good to ignore.

**

Here are some fascinating, lesser-known facts about Jezebel (1938) with Bette Davis:

1. Bronze vs. Red Dress
   Although Julie Marsden’s iconic gown at the Olympus Ball is widely remembered as red, on film it was actually a bronze colored dress. The reason: bronze showed up better on black and white film than red would. (IMDb)

2. Delayed and Over Budget — Wyler’s Perfectionism
   The production ran 28 days behind schedule, and the film was significantly over its original budget (about $400,000 over). Much of the delay came from director William Wyler demanding many takes and insisting on precision, especially in scenes with Bette Davis. (Watch TCM)

3. Multiple Costume Workers & Expense
   About 75 seamstresses worked for roughly a month on the costumes. The film’s wardrobe budget was large, with some dresses (like the bronze /red dress) costing about $850 each. Overall, several thousand dollars were spent on costumes. (AFI Catalog)

4. Rushed into Production in Response to Gone With the Wind
   Warner Bros. moved Jezebel forward in part because they saw the success and impending cultural presence of Gone With the Wind. They wanted a Southern set, antebellum romance starring Bette Davis to hit screens beforehand. (Watch TCM)

5. Broadway Origins & Flop
   The movie was adapted from a Broadway play by Owen Davis Sr., which had opened and closed in 1933 after only 32 performances. Miriam Hopkins originally played Julie in the play. (Classic Movie Hub - CMH)

6. Casting Last Minute Changes
   Henry Fonda was not originally cast as Pres Dillard. He replaced another actor (Jeffrey Lynn) who could not be released from another commitment. (Classic Movie Hub - CMH)

7. Personal and Romantic Tensions Behind The Scenes
   On set, there were personal entanglements: Bette Davis and William Wyler developed a romantic relationship during filming. Also, there was tension with Henry Fonda early on about the many takes and schedule delays. (IMDb)

8. Wyler’s Directorial Insight vs. Davis’s Artistry
   One famous anecdote: Wyler made Davis watch dailies (the raw uncut takes) with him and showed her a take of Julie coming down a staircase — she’d been irritated by how many takes it took. But in the dailies, she saw a single take with a fleeting expression that captured the essence of Julie, and it changed how she trusted Wyler’s process. (IMDb)

9. Role of Close-ups Without Leading Man
   Because Fonda had a contractual commitment and had to leave before all of Davis’s close-ups were shot, some close-ups of Davis were done without Fonda opposite her. That meant she often had to emote and react off-screen, relying on direction rather than partner chemistry in certain scenes. (AFI Catalog)

10. Costume Continuity Goof (Sleeves Disappear)
    A small but interesting “goof”: In some shots of the gown, the red/bronze dress has sleeves, and in others (including the ball scene) it appears sleeveless. Continuity in costume wasn’t perfect. (IMDb)

—

REFERENCES:

“Jezebel (1938) – Trivia & Fun Facts.” Turner Classic Movies (TCM). Includes info on the 28-day delay, costume budget, red/bronze dress, etc. (WatchTCM)

“Jezebel – Catalog Entry.” AFI Catalog (American Film Institute). Provides production details including costuming, shooting schedule, completion date, etc. (AFICatalog)

“Facts about ‘Jezebel’ – Classic Movie Hub.” ClassicMovieHub. Various trivia tidbits: delays, stage play origin, etc. (ClassicMovie Hub - CMH)

“Happy Birthday, Bette Davis—You ‘Jezebel’!” Library of Congress – Now See Hear! Blog. Background on the Broadway play origins, Wyler’s interest in the play, etc. (The Library of Congress)

“Exploring JEZEBEL (1938)” – Kellee Pratt (blog). On Wyler’s directorial style, takes, costume details, and anecdotes about the film’s production. (Outspoken & Freckled)

Bette Davis Movies on Amazon Prime Video

40 Year Old Books That Are Still Relevant Today: Why “People of the Lie” Still Matters in 2026

If you are a regular visitor to this blog, you have probably noticed that I really enjoy Korean dramas. While watching a K-drama about a murder mystery, I noticed one of the characters at the library was reading a book titled “People of the Lie” by M. Scott Peck.  That book was key to the K-drama's storyline, so I became curious about the book.

M. Scott Peck’s “People of the Lie: The Hope for Healing Human Evil” is one of those rare books that refuses to fade into irrelevance. It's a quick read.  Less than 300 pages.  First published in 1983 and reissued in 1998, it blends psychology, spirituality, and case study storytelling to explore a deeply uncomfortable question: What does everyday human evil actually look like?

People of the Lie posits that evil isn’t always dramatic or monstrous. More often, it shows up in subtle, socially acceptable forms—self-deception, scapegoating, manipulation, and the refusal to take responsibility for one’s actions.

[NOTE: Evil is subtle? “Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made.” — Genesis 3:1 ]

Peck draws from his psychiatric practice (see bio notes below) to illustrate how “evil people” harm others not through violence, but through persistent dishonesty and the destruction of others’ dignity.

Key themes of the book include:

• Evil as a pattern of self-deception — people who lie to themselves so thoroughly that they must attack anyone who threatens their fragile self-image.

• The psychology of scapegoating — how families, institutions, and communities offload their dysfunction onto a single person.

• The possibility of healing — Peck argues that confronting evil honestly is the first step toward personal and societal transformation.

Definitely sounds like a plan!

BIO Facts About M. Scott Peck

• Peck was a Harvard-educated psychiatrist who became famous for The Road Less Traveled, one of the best-selling self-help books of all time.

• His career blended clinical psychology, spirituality, and moral philosophy, which made some consider him controversial. (In other words, they disagreed.)

• Peck founded the Foundation for Community Encouragement, reflecting his lifelong interest in how groups heal and grow.

Though First Published in 1983, It Feels Tailor-Made for 2026

“People of the Lie” feels relevant today and should be added to a modern reading list.  Here's why.

1. We’re living in an age of curated identities.  Social media encourages self-presentation over self-examination. Peck’s insights into self-deception and image management feel eerily prescient.

2. The concept of “everyday evil” helps explain modern conflicts.  Many of today’s social tensions—misinformation, polarization, scapegoating—mirror the patterns Peck described over 40 years ago.

3. It offers language for experiences people struggle to articulate.  Readers dealing with toxic workplaces, dysfunctional families, or manipulative relationships often find this book clarifying and validating.

4. It bridges psychology and morality in a way few books do.  In a time when people crave meaning as much as mental health tools, Peck’s hybrid approach resonates.

5. It challenges readers to examine themselves, not just “bad people out there.”  That kind of introspection never goes out of style.

Can you believe that I found this incredible treasure while watching a Korean drama? What was the name of the drama? You'd probably never guess. “The Lucifer” (2007).

FINAL NOTE: That K-drama also mentioned “Faust”, which I did not have to hunt down. It was required reading in high school (1970s).

Great Books In 10 Minutes. “Understanding Faust.” YouTube, 25 Feb. 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8Hl7lG168U.

“Evil” isn’t always dramatic. Sometimes it looks like denial, blame shifting, & the quiet destruction of someone else’s dignity.

Have you ever struggled to understand toxic behavior?

M. Scott Peck’s “People of the Lie” is a tough read but useful. https://t.co/HEn90627wL…

— My Shopping Channel (@goshoppingbees) April 14, 2026

Why I Tell My Kids That Our Generation Had the Best Music (and Why They Don't Disagree)

 Gen Z, Gen Q, Gen ABC … I don't keep up with those “distinctions”. 

I've got kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. I have always told my kids that the music from my generation was the “best music”. Yes, it's a subjective point of view. However, after a while, my kids started paying attention to their own music, and then they started asking, “Is the 'original'?” Most of the time, I could tell them the original artist, and thanks to the wonders of YouTube, even find the song so they could listen to it. But I'm not the only one who thinks the music of my generation was great! I found an article published by Mako News, and it justified MY bragging! LOL.

• Card, Marlee. “The Best Music Was Made before Gen Z Was Born – and They Know It.” Mako News, 11 Sep. 2025, https://www.makomedia.nova.edu/the-best-music-was-made-before-gen-z-was-born-and-they-know-it/.

Why Gen Z Keeps Rewinding the Clock: A Quick, Punchy Summary

The Mako News article argues that Gen Z is increasingly obsessed with music from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, not because it’s trendy—but because it feels real in a hyper digital, oversaturated music landscape. With today’s constant flood of “New Music Friday” releases, younger listeners are gravitating toward older artists whose work carries authenticity, emotional grit, and cultural staying power. From Nirvana tees to Fleetwood Mac TikTok revivals, Gen Z isn’t just dabbling in nostalgia—they’re reviving it.

The piece highlights how the recent passing of Ozzy Osbourne (1948-2025) reignited interest in his catalog, with streams spiking past 18 million monthly listeners. It also notes that Gen Z is driving the vinyl resurgence, with 76% buying records monthly, and that social media algorithms are turning decades-old tracks into viral moments.

Ultimately, the article concludes that while modern music cycles quickly, the classics endure because they were built on raw emotion, live instrumentation, and cultural impact—qualities Gen Z craves.

Gen Z isn’t just romanticizing the past—they’re curating it. In a world of infinite choice, they’re choosing music that feels intentional, emotional, and human. Whether it’s the warmth of vinyl, the rawness of a live guitar riff, or the timeless storytelling of classic rock and soul, younger listeners are proving that great music doesn’t age—it echoes.

If anything, Gen Z isn’t reviving old music.
They’re preserving it.

(FYI Gen Z = Born 1997 to 2012.)

YEAH! THAT'S WHAT I WAS SAYING ALL ALONG!!

Here are Some Extra Music History Gems (because I just won't stop bragging 'bout my generation) 😊

1. The “Loudness Wars” Changed Modern Music

Starting in the late ’90s, record labels pushed for louder, more compressed tracks to stand out on the radio and playlists. This reduced dynamic range—one reason older music feels more alive and emotionally textured. Gen Z’s preference for vintage sound isn’t just nostalgia; it’s physics.

2. MTV Once Dictated What the World Heard

When MTV launched in 1981, it revolutionized music discovery. Artists like Madonna, Prince, and Michael Jackson didn’t just release songs—they released visual eras. Today’s algorithm-driven discovery lacks that shared cultural moment, which is part of what Gen Z is seeking in older music.

3. Vinyl’s Comeback Isn’t New—It’s Cyclical

Vinyl first resurged in the mid 2000s, but Gen Z has pushed it into a full-blown renaissance. What many don’t know: vinyl outsold CDs in 2023 for the first time since 1987. The tactile ritual—dropping the needle, flipping the record—creates a listening experience modern streaming can’t replicate.

4. The ’70s–’90s Were a Golden Age of Studio Innovation

From analog synths to multitrack recording, this era birthed the tools that shaped modern sound.

• The ’70s gave us the Moog synthesizer and the rise of funk and disco.

• The ’80s introduced digital sampling and the iconic gated reverb drum sound.

• The ’90s perfected grunge, hip hop sampling, and alt-rock production.
  Gen Z’s fascination is partly a fascination with the birth of the sounds they hear today.

5. Radio Once United Generations

Before algorithms, everyone heard the same hits at the same time. That collective experience helped cement artists like Queen, Whitney Houston, and U2 into cultural memory. Gen Z’s rediscovery of these acts is a way of reconnecting with that shared musical heritage.

🎵

REFERENCES:

Vickers, Earl. “The Loudness War: Background, Speculation and Recommendations.” Audio Engineering Society, 2010.

Austerlitz, Saul. Money for Nothing: A History of the Music Video from the Beatles to the White Stripes. Continuum, 2007.

Sisario, Ben. “Vinyl Outsold CDs Last Year. It’s the First Time Since 1987.” The New York Times, 9 Mar. 2023.

Pinch, Trevor, and Frank Trocco. Analog Days: The Invention and Impact of the Moog Synthesizer. Harvard University Press, 2002.

Douglas, Susan J. Listening In: Radio and the American Imagination. University of Minnesota Press, 2004.

Outdated or Insightful? Five (5) Reasons to Read a 1946 Book in 2026

I miss going to the local public library. (Home-bound for personal reasons.)  Do you know the best thing about public libraries? They throw away old books. I mean … literally throw them out like trash. A bunch of books were sitting in a box, and the librarian told me I could take whatever I wanted. They were free because they were trash! Isn't that insane? “One man's junk is another man's treasure.” Getting old books that had been thrown out for free was like being given a gold mine! (Sigh.) Those were the good old days.

OK! Took a short trip down memory lane. Now let's get to the post. For your reading list, book club, whatever ... I'd like to suggest “The Black Girl in Search of God and SomeLesser Tales” by George Bernard Shaw. 

📚 This book was published in 1946.

Why should you read it in 2026? 

5 Reasons Why.

1. It wrestles with big, timeless questions

The title story is basically a philosophical journey about religion, belief, and truth. Those questions—Does God exist? Which beliefs make sense?—haven’t gone away. If anything, they’ve become more complex in a modern, globalized world.

2. It’s a window into historical thinking
Shaw wrote this in the early 20th century, reflecting debates around Christianity, colonialism, and Western philosophy. Reading it now helps you see how people argued about these issues back then—and how much (or how little) has changed.

3. It’s provocative (sometimes uncomfortably so)
Shaw intentionally challenges religious institutions and cultural assumptions. Some parts can feel dated or even offensive today, especially in how race and empire are portrayed. But that discomfort can be useful—it sparks critical thinking rather than passive reading.

4. It’s short but dense with ideas
Unlike huge philosophical texts, this is relatively concise. You get satire, storytelling, and argument all mixed together, making it more approachable than, say, pure theology or philosophy.

5. It’s still discussed in literature and philosophy circles
Shaw was a major intellectual figure (Nobel Prize winner), and this work is part of broader conversations about satire, religion, and colonial critique. If you’re interested in those areas, it still comes up.

Bottom line:
You’d read it in 2026, not because it’s “current,” but because it helps you THINK about belief, history, and how ideas evolve.

About the Author:

George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950) was an Irish playwright, critic, and political thinker, widely regarded as one of the most important dramatists in the English language. Largely self-educated, Shaw developed strong opinions on politics, society, religion, and art.

• A committed socialist and a prominent member of the Fabian Society.

• Advocated for social reform, women’s rights, and income equality.

• Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1925 for his work.

Believe it or not! G. B. Shaw is considered one of the greatest playwrights after William Shakespeare.

Check out my other book suggestions on BlueSky.

💙📚 #booksky

Books About Women in History | Oneworld Publications | A History of the Roman Empire in 21 Women

📚Recommended Reading: A History of the Roman Empire in 21 Women

Well!  Beyoncé did say that girls run the world.😃

Emma Southon has authored a book about women’s experiences in ancient Rome. The book paints a fuller picture of the Roman world — one that includes:

• family dynamics and domestic life
• social mobility and class tensions
• religion and ritual
• scandal, survival, and political maneuvering
• the everyday realities that shaped life far beyond the Senate and battlefield

It's a Fresh, Funny Rewrite of Roman History

Most Roman histories follow the same predictable arc: fratricide, tyrants, endless battles, a parade of emperors, and the occasional warning about what happens when women “don’t behave.” This book throws that entire formula out the window. Instead of centering the usual cast of generals and politicians, Emma Southon retells the rise and fall of the Roman Empire through the lives of 21 remarkable women who lived it, shaped it, and were often written out of it. 

Women Who Lived at the Heart of Empire

Each chapter spotlights a different woman — not just empresses or noblewomen, but figures from across Roman society. Some were powerful, some were ordinary, some were scandalized by ancient writers, and some were quietly influential in ways history rarely acknowledges. Through them, you see the Empire from the inside out: its politics, its domestic life, its dangers, and its contradictions.

A Sharp Look at How History Gets Written

One of the book’s biggest insights is how ancient historians shaped the stories we inherited. Women were often used as moral lessons, political props, or symbols of decline. Southon dismantles those tropes with humor and clarity, showing how much richer and more complex the real stories are. The book becomes not just a retelling of Roman history, but a critique of how history itself is constructed.
Accessible, Irreverent, and Very Well Researched

Southon’s writing is lively, modern, and often laugh‑out‑loud funny — a deliberate contrast to the “appallingly tedious list of battles and generals” that she jokes defines most Roman histories.

Despite the humor, the scholarship is solid. You get real historical depth without the dryness, making it a perfect entry point for readers who want history that feels alive.

---

Why This Book is Recommended?

If you’ve ever felt that history leaves out too many voices, this book is a refreshing corrective. It’s not just about adding women into the margins — it’s about rewriting the narrative so the margins become the story. It’s smart, funny, and eye‑opening, and it makes the Roman Empire feel new again.

Why would I want to read it?  I just like the history of ancient Rome.  It's like the story that ended, but it's never-ending.  But I am always curious about the contributions of women who are often overlooked.

***

RELATED OR SIMILAR LINKS:

Travel and Vacation: Explore the City Rome: Where to Go and What to See (Guest Post)

Wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, Emperor of Ancient Rome vs The Movie 'Gladiator' (2000)

Books for Children: The Roman Mysteries by Caroline Lawrence

What a Horrible Way to Go! : History of Ancient Rome: Executions

Three (3) Engaging Book Series for Young Readers: Adventure, Mystery & Magic

No matter the generation—Gen Z, Gen Alpha, or whatever comes next—kids thrive when they’re immersed in stories. Books don’t just entertain; they build empathy, spark curiosity, and help young minds explore worlds beyond their own. 

If you're looking for book series that will captivate young readers and keep them coming back for more, here are three standout picks that blend history, fantasy, and thrilling adventure. They are the best book series for kids.  (IMHO.)

AI_Generated Image Created Using DreamUP AI Art Tool

(1) The Roman Mysteries by Caroline Lawrence

Historical fiction for young readers:  Set in ancient Rome, this award-winning mystery series follows four young sleuths as they unravel secrets of the empire. With vivid historical detail and fast-paced plots, these books are perfect for readers who love solving puzzles and learning about the past.

Meet the main characters:

• Flavia Gemina – The clever daughter of a Roman sea captain.

• Nubia – A brave African girl rescued from slavery.

• Jonathan ben Mordecai – A thoughtful Jewish-Christian boy with a knack for logic.

• Lupus – A mute beggar boy whose silence hides a sharp mind.

**Bonus: The series was adapted into a BBC television show, bringing the adventures to life onscreen.

(2) Redwall by Brian Jacques (1939–2011)

Fantasy books for kids: In a world of brave woodland creatures, peace and heroism collide in this epic fantasy saga. The Redwall series spans 22 novels, each filled with battles, quests, and richly imagined settings that rival any human fantasy world.

Why kids love it:

• Talking animals with distinct personalities and cultures.

• Themes of courage, friendship, and justice.

• Lush descriptions and immersive storytelling.

**TV Adaptation: The animated series focuses on three key books—Redwall, Mattimeo, and Martin the Warrior—and serves as a great entry point for new fans.

(3) Chronicles of the Stone Series by Fiona Ingram

Children's adventure books:  Inspired by a real-life trip to Egypt, this trilogy blends archaeology, mythology, and high-stakes adventure. Adam and Justin Sinclair must solve a 5,000-year-old mystery and recover the seven Stones of Power before dark forces beat them to it.

What makes it special:

• Real historical sites and legends are woven into the plot.

• Fast-paced action with educational depth.

• A global journey that spans continents and cultures.

*Perfect for readers who love Indiana Jones-style thrills with a touch of ancient magic.

Image credit: Book mug

📚 Final Thoughts

Whether your child loves solving mysteries, exploring ancient worlds, or joining woodland warriors in epic battles, these series offer unforgettable journeys. Each one opens the door to imagination, learning, and a lifelong love of reading.

✨

📚📚📚

Children's Book Day is celebrated annually on April 2nd.

Artists I Fancy: Monica Stewart

I discovered the art of Monica Stewart while searching for work by African-American artists similar to that of Lavarne Ross. Mr. Ross knows how to capture motion, and his most famous work is called "Tribute", which features African ballerinas.  Ms. Stewart's art radiates grace, movement, and emotional depth.

Admirers have nothing but good things to say about this gifted female artist. Monica Stewart’s art has been described as “a contemporary expression of culture and sisterhood” because she captures “women of color celebrating life”. She gives her work “an authentic, ethnic flavor”. 

The next time you watch the movies “Waiting to Exhale” or “Romeo Must Die”, watch them very carefully. Her artwork has been showcased via these films. Cool huh? :)

Image credit:  Monica Stewart: Ethereal Grace

Highlights about the career of Monica Stewart:

🎨 Artistic Style & Themes

• Stewart is best known for her pastel paintings, which she loves for their brilliance and flexibility.
• Her work often centers on Black women, capturing moments of joy, reflection, and sisterhood. She once said, “I have a good understanding of myself as a woman, so I do tend to paint a lot of women”.
• Her art explores universal human experiences, aiming to evoke personal meaning for each viewer.

🖼️ Famous Works

Some of her most popular pieces include:

• “Unity” – a vibrant portrayal of African-American women dancing in harmony.
• “Graceful Motion”, “Dance of Joy”, and “Rejoice!” – all celebrate movement, rhythm, and spiritual uplift.
• Her prints have appeared in films like Waiting to Exhale, Romeo Must Die, and the sitcom Living Single.

🏆 Recognition & Impact

• Stewart’s art has been featured on California State Lottery and Bank of America calendars, as well as family record books, journals, and photo albums.
• She’s a nationally recognized artist, with her work displayed in galleries and stores across the U.S.
• Though she didn’t complete her formal art degree, her talent was nurtured early on and reignited in the 1990s, thanks in part to encouragement from novelist Terry McMillan, who was one of her first collectors.

♦

REFERENCES:

Artist Biographies - Monica Stewart

Monica Stewart – Heritages Art

The Art of Monica Stewart - Kentake Page

Music: Yuna, Malaysian Singer and Songwriter ~ What's Happening NOW?

UPDATE on Yuna, Malaysian singer-songwriter.

In 2020, I published a short blog post introducing Yuna, a Muslim Malaysian singer/songwriter. It's been 5 years, and this fabulous lady has been very busy. There’s quite a bit happening with her, and it’s a mix of music, activism, and a heartfelt return to her roots. Link to previous post.

Yuna’s official website is yunamusic.com 🎧. 

Irwandy Mazwir, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

🎶 Music & Performances

• New Malay EP in the works: Yuna is currently writing and producing a new EP in Bahasa Melayu, her first full Malay-language project since Bicara in 2017. She’s excited to reconnect with her Malaysian fanbase through this release, expected later in 2025.

• Sold-out homecoming concert: In October 2023, she performed Yunaverse in Kuala Lumpur—her first major Malaysian concert in five years. The show featured songs from her 2023 Malay EP Masih Sunyi and other fan favorites.

• Acoustic sets & fan meets: She’s been active with intimate performances, including a fan event in Bangsar in late October 2023 where she also launched a new single.

💿 Recent Releases

• Album “Y5” (2022): A genre-blending project born during the pandemic, Y5 was released as a full-length album after dropping five EPs throughout the year. It showcases R&B, soul, and disco influences.

🧵 Independent Artist Journey

• Yuna has embraced full independence, producing music from a home studio she built in her father’s office. This shift gave her creative freedom and marked a personal rebirth as an artist.

🌍 Advocacy & Impact

• Support for Palestine: Yuna has been outspoken about the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, which has led to a loss of followers, gigs, and international invitations. Despite this, she remains committed to advocacy.

• Freedom Football & YZ Label: She co-founded a fundraiser called Freedom Football and donates 15% of profits from her fashion brand YZ Label to humanitarian causes.

🏡 Return to Malaysia

• Though based in Los Angeles, Yuna has expressed a deep emotional connection to Malaysia—especially Kuala Lumpur’s Sungei Wang Plaza—and has hinted at moving back permanently to be closer to her aging parents.

Yuna’s journey right now is a beautiful blend of artistic evolution, cultural reconnection, and bold activism. If you’d like to explore her discography or dive deeper into her advocacy work, I’d be happy to guide you.

REFERENCES:

“Yuna.” Apple Music - Web Player. Accessed 4 Sept. 2025.

Izhar, Asilah. “Yuna Returns to KL with Her Homecoming Concert, ’Yunaverse.” Harper’s BAZAAR Malaysia, 24 Oct. 2023, https://harpersbazaar.my/lifestyle/culture/yunaverse-homecoming-concert-details/.

WEBBER, ANNDREA A. “LA-Based Malaysian Singer Yuna Reveals Why She Wants to Hold Her Concert at Sungei Wang Plaza.” The Star, 16 Oct. 2023, https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/entertainment/2023/10/13/la-based-malaysian-singer-yuna-reveals-why-she-wants-to-hold-her-concert-at-sungei-wang-plaza. 

Adleena. “Yuna Admits To Losing Followers & Overseas Show Offers After Voicing Support For Palestine.” Hype MY, 3 Sept. 2025, https://hype.my/yuna-admits-to-losing-followers-overseas-show-offers-after-voicing-support-for-palestine/.

*

Yuna- Risk It All (Official Music Video) A soulful, cinematic piece from her Y5 era, this video captures Yuna’s signature elegance and emotional depth.  

Thanks for visiting. 💓

[Blogger’s Note: This post was created with the help of a free AI tool that assisted with research, writing, formatting, and SEO.]