British pop icon Ed Sheeran recently delighted fans with his unforgettable concert experience at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium during his Mathematics Tour in Kuala Lumpur on Feb 24.
But Sheeran, 33, didn’t just bring his musical prowess to Malaysia. During his stay in the vibrant capital, he immersed himself in the rich cultural tapestry of the country, sharing glimpses of his adventures with fans.
In an Instagram Reel posted on Feb 25, the Shape Of You hitmaker showcased his artistic side by trying his hand at traditional batik painting alongside a select group of lucky fans.
“I love painting at home. Whilst out in Malaysia, I wanted to try some traditional batik and do some wax painting,” Sheeran shared, expressing his enthusiasm for the unique art form. He even hinted at displaying his artwork at his private pub in Suffolk, England.
After the creative session, Sheeran indulged in a traditional shave at a barber shop established in 1937, jokingly referring to it as “probably the cleanest shave I’ve ever had.”
But the highlight of his cultural exchange was undoubtedly the friendly badminton match with mixed doubles shuttler Chan Peng Soon, alongside local content creators Jinny Boy and Joseph. Sheeran, acknowledging the sport’s popularity in Malaysia, quipped, “Badminton is huge in Malaysia, but I had to call in some reinforcements.”
Peng Soon, a 2016 Rio Olympics silver medallist, praised Sheeran’s badminton skills and playfully mentioned trying his hand at singing when he visits England.
Before his concert, Sheeran and his bandmates participated in the traditional Chinese New Year ritual of tossing yee sang, adding a touch of local tradition to their backstage preparations.
Warner Music highlighted the significance of Sheeran’s cultural exchange, stating that it provided him and his team with a “unique and memorable experience, deepening their connection with Malaysian traditions.”
Malaysian fans lauded Sheeran’s efforts to embrace local customs, expressing their appreciation for his genuine interest in their culture.
“Love how you embrace the culture of all the countries you visit on your tours,” one netizen commented, while another eagerly urged, “Please come back here more often.”
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