Janet Lee

Janet is a multi-faceted performer with a diverse portfolio, but is most widely known as Malaysia’s Queen of Shanghai Jazz. A consummate artist known for her unique repertoire, Janet’s claim to fame is in combining the lyrical delicacy of mid-century Mandarin Pop with the romanticism of old-school American songbook show tunes in a cabaret performance.

Janet was a recipient of the Trinity College of London’s Outstanding Achiever’s Award, completing with distinction in 2004 Trinity College of London’s Performer’s Certificate. Prior to her active involvement in jazz music, Janet was classically trained by baritone Cha Seng Tiang, sopranos Cecilia Yap and Wong Kooi Lan. Janet works closely with renowned jazz pianist and composer Tay Cher Siang in various projects and albums. She is the founding member of The Shang Sisters, a multi-lingual vocal trio.

To date, Janet has produced three solo albums under her belt, Restless Heart (2015) and Cinnabar Rouge (2017) and Tea for Two (2023). The first two albums were accompanied by solo concerts at Damansara Performing Arts Centre to full houses and rapturous response. Tea for Two’s release is accompanied by an on-going Malaysian and international album tour. Cinnabar Rouge was also nominated for Best Popular Evergreen Album and winner of the Best Album Cover Design category at the 2018 Malaysia PWH Music Award.

Janet is also an avid thespian, having claimed roles in landmark stage productions as Lulu in I Have A Date With Spring, and Yin Xin in Butterfly Lovers by Dama Asia Productions, as Gingerbread Witch in Hansel & Gretel by Kuala Lumpur City Opera, and appeared in Saidah Rastam’s M! The Opera.