KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 — Fame may mean everything to some in the entetainment business but not for Malaysian singer-songwriter, Yuna, who believes that her identity as a Muslim is not worth sacrificing just to be popular.

The hijab-wearing songstress in a brief interview with British news BBC said she had faced pressure to blend in an industry she claimed was known for its objectification of women after her success in the United States, but was adamant to remain true to herself.

“Some people..are like she should change into a more sexier artiste. Why should I change because that’s not who I am,” she said.

Yuna pointed out that the entertainment industry is known for its tendency to portray women artistes as just pretty faces.

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But the Malaysian-born singer, who had in the past declared herself a proud Muslim, said she valued intelligence more.

“You know people in the music industry they like always try and tell you what to do.

“They just want you to be pretty and do nothing more than that. It’s not true. You have to have knowledge, you have to be smart, you have to be intelligent.

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“Being famous and being popular in the entertainment industry it’s not worth sacrificing your identity,” she said.

The Malaysian singer-songwriter was already making a name in the US music scene, but catapulted into international stardom after a duet with R&B superstar Usher.