KOTA KINABALU: Sept 9, 2026 — Tambunan-born singers Arddley Nicholas and Ryenald Guntabid are set to compete against each other in the Best Male Vocal category at the 25th Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM25).
Arddley, who received news of his nomination today, described the prospect of facing Ryenald as something special, given that both hail from Tambunan and have each won the same category in previous editions.
Arddley is the recipient of Best Male Vocal at AIM23, while Ryenald clinched the title at AIM24.
“Honestly, I feel very moved and grateful to be in the same category as Ryenald. To me, Ryenald is not just a fellow villager but a vocalist whom I deeply respect and admire,” he said.
He added that their journey from Tambunan to sharing the same category at AIM proves that talent from the district can break into the mainstream music industry.
“Coming from Tambunan, which is so far from the main music industry stage, we have both finally made it to this level and are now in the same category at AIM. To me, that itself is a huge source of pride,” he said.
Arddley also stressed that he does not see Ryenald as someone he needs to defeat, but rather views the nomination as an honour.
“I don’t see Ryenald as someone I have to beat. I see it more as an honour to share the same stage with such a talented singer,” he said.
He said whatever result is announced will be accepted with an open heart, including if Ryenald walks away with the award.
“If luck favours Ryenald, I will still be proud and happy for him. What matters most is that we are bringing the names of Tambunan and Sabah together onto this stage,” he said.
The meeting of two former champions makes AIM25 another significant moment for Tambunan, as two sons of the district who have previously dominated the same category now return to the AIM stage as contenders.
AIM25 is scheduled to take place on Sept 26 in Kuching, Sarawak, with Arddley and Ryenald among the names to watch in the battle for Best Male Vocal.
