SOFTSPOKEN Lezuizita Ripin, also known as Leez Zwita, is famous for singing songs like ‘Bajik Tuai’ and ‘Berumah Ba Ati Orang’.
Lezuizita, 32, currently works as a radio announcer and producer for Sekoh Pagi at the radio station KupiKupiFM.
She has also been a recording artiste under OCH Sound Production since 2012. In addition, she runs her own business, Rock Empayar Resources, with her husband, offering photography and videography services.
Originally from Simunjan and now residing in Kuching, Lezuizita is the eldest of two siblings. She has been active in the music field since 2010.
Her most popular songs include “Bajik Tuai,” “Gerah Mata Undang,” “Milih Laki,” “Pengeri Amau Dipuchuk Tuga,” “Ukai Enggai Nganti,” and “Berumah Ba Ati Orang.”
Her most recent song, “Merampau Ngenang,” is set to be released soon.
According to Lezuizita, she has more than 20 songs, including compilations of Gawai songs. Despite her beautiful voice, she never expected to become a radio announcer due to her lack of experience in the field.
“Personally, I could hardly believe that I could compete with others, especially since I had no experience in this position.
So, I learned many new things to be on par with others. In life, never be shy or hesitant to ask questions from those who are talented because the more we ask, the more we learn,” she said.
In addition to being a singer and radio announcer, Leez Zwita is also a mother. However, she faces time constraints due to balancing her job with motherhood.
“My children are looked after by others while I work and perform at various entertainment venues. Despite these challenges, I have never neglected my roles as a wife, mother and daughter.
“When I’m free or not working, that’s the time I spend with my family.
“Some people ask how I divide my time between singing and DJing. I entertain people only on weekends because from Monday to Friday, I focus on my duties as a DJ. Thank God, even though my time is often limited, my work goes smoothly,” said Leez.
On her journey as a singer, Leez Zwita said she loved singing since childhood.
“My parents have always supported my singing career. In 2002, I participated in the RTM Star Singing Competition. That was the first time I sang.
“When I was still studying at the polytechnic, I started creating songs. The song ‘Bajik Tuai’ raised my name in the Dayak music industry,” she said.
When asked about her journey as a DJ on KupiKupiFM, Leez Zwita said it was her destiny and something she never expected.
“Being a DJ is not easy because people pay close attention to how we speak, especially since we are addressing the public as listeners,” she explained.
In addition to speaking skills, Leez emphasised that a DJ also needed to be skilled in Information Technology (IT).
“Being a DJ is not just about talking; we also need to know how to handle the equipment in front of us.
“It took me a long time to learn all these things because in life, we must learn before doing something. If we don’t learn, we’re likely to do something wrong,” she said.
Leez Zwita also highlighted the challenges of being a public figure, noting that it required caution.
“We all know that today is the era of viral technology and digital development, where everything is at your fingertips.
“As a public figure, everything we do is closely monitored. Even the slightest mistake in words or behaviour can become an issue shared by social media users. Use social media wisely, and don’t make inappropriate comments about others. Be careful with what you say and do because others might imitate you,” added Leez.
She said she was not easily discouraged by negative comments from others.
“For me, criticisms can teach us to progress to a better level. Don’t ignore them but instead use them as motivation to move forward,” she said.
The KupiKupiFM DJ considers being a DJ an achievement and an honour. Leez Zwita said it was a new experience for her and she was proud of herself for daring to try it.
“Don’t be afraid to try new things because you never know what advantages you might have. Don’t be shy to show off your skills. Share them with others so that everyone can benefit,” she said.
Leez Zwita is grateful she has a family that always supports her career in entertainment and as a KupiKupiFM DJ.
“I am fortunate to have a mother who understands her role and cares for her children. My late father would have been happy to see my success.
“I also thank my beloved husband, who respects my work and is always by my side whenever I entertain my fans,” said Leez Zwita.
“Apart from performing, I also want to create songs and aim to release an Iban language segment on KupiKupiFM if everything goes well.
“The challenge of being active in the music field and maintaining relevance as an artiste is not easy, especially when I started at 17 in the Dayak music industry, where there was a significant age difference with other artistes. It took a lot to get to where I am now.
“As an artiste, maintaining a name and remaining relevant in the eyes of fans is not easy; there is a lot to learn. Don’t be shy to seek experience because it will improve the quality of your performance and voice,” she explained.
Leez Zwita once faced severe criticisms online due to body shaming and raised awareness about this issue, especially for working women. She reported the incident to the authorities, and the individuals involved apologised.
“In my opinion, the music industry in Sarawak and Malaysia has reached a level where we can compete with other countries.
“This is evident through promotions on YouTube, the bold and diverse music genres, and the increasing number of local talents in Sarawak daring to introduce new music.
“For new artistes, don’t be lazy; do more research on what people want to hear, update your music based on listeners’ requests on social media, and preserve our language and culture in your songs,” she advised.
Leez shared that she was a former student of SM Teknik Sejingkat, where she majored in Civil Engineering, and continued her studies at Kuching Sarawak Polytechnic at the Diploma Level in Civil Engineering.
After working as an assistant engineer for three years, she officially left the engineering field in 2022.
She now plans to focus on her new career as a radio announcer, which she is passionate about, while still accepting invitations to perform.
“What we see in mass media, such as social media, television and radio, often gives young people the impression that being a famous artiste is easy and glamorous.
“However, the reality is not that simple. Not everyone has the ability to become a successful singer. It also depends on one’s luck.
“My advice is to keep trying to be the best, know yourself, and know what you want. Our efforts must be purposeful to stay on the right track,” she said.
Thanks to the support of those around her who believe in her talent, Leez has become an artiste who not only loves music but also promotes the songs of her people.
“My parents are my mentors in life. My musical influences include Pop, Dangdut and Ballads.
“I have many inspirations, including Celine Dion. I admire her aura and powerful vocal skills, which incorporate many music genres. She is truly remarkable,” she said.
