Joss Stone is an exceptional artist to have on your Spotify rotation; until you watch her perform live and realise that this is truly the best way to enjoy the Grammy-winning soul belter’s hits. At the recent Ombak Festival 2025 at Desaru Coast, I caught up with her in person as she glided onto the stage like a fairy in a glittering, flowing gown, dancing barefoot upon a carpet and weaving candid tales of her love life between songs. “Sometimes, you have a love that spoils you. This is a song I didn’t sing for years and years called Spoiled,” she shared on stage. At one point, she got down to her knees to speak to the crowd more intimately.
Her one-hour set, unfortunately, ended all too soon, culminating with her throwing sunflowers to a lucky few in the audience.
The Brit Award-winning artist released her acclaimed debut album, The Soul Sessions, at the tender age of 16 in 2003. The 38-year-old has released a total of nine studio albums, which have sold more than 15 million copies worldwide, and is currently working on a new recording—fans got a sneak preview of that at Ombak Festival. Stone has performed and collaborated with the likes of Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Sting, Van Morrison, and Mick Jagger. She also established The Joss Stone Foundation, which helps a global network of 200 charities and partners.
Stone carved out time in her hectic schedule—having just given birth to her fourth child in June, relocating from the US back to her home county of Devon in England, and preparing for her upcoming US tour—to take the stage as one of the festival headliners. Robb Report Malaysia caught up with Stone during the Ombak Festival in this exclusive interview.
How did it feel to take centre stage as one of the headliners at this year’s Ombak Festival, and what excited you most about performing for your Malaysian fans?
Oh, it felt absolutely wonderful. I always feel so lucky to be invited to share music with people in different corners of the world. There’s something magical about singing by the sea and being with my Malaysian fans again—that just makes my heart so happy. It was fantastic to see everyone’s smiling faces and to just lose ourselves in the music together.
Festivals often have a unique energy compared to solo tours. How did you prepare for your Ombak Festival set?
Festivals are a whole vibe, aren’t they? You’ve got this mix of people, all these different sounds, and that gorgeous sense of community. I like to keep it natural—make sure the band and I are feeling the groove, rehearse enough so we’re tight, but leave space for spontaneity. That way, when we get on stage, we can just go with the energy of the crowd and the moment.
Is there a particular song you were excited to perform against Johor’s stunning coastline?
I think Right to Be Wrong felt really special here. Singing that with the waves rolling behind us, it’s like giving yourself permission to just be free, be human. Nature always makes music feel even more alive.
Music festivals gather very diverse audiences. What do you hope festival-goers will take away from your set?
I hope they leave feeling lighter—like they’ve released something and gained a little more love in their hearts. Music is healing and, if we can share that healing energy, even for an hour, then that’s everything.
For the Total World Tour in 2014, you embarked on a remarkably impressive tour that lasted six years, covering nearly every country. Is there something about playing in Southeast Asia that feels different from playing in other parts of the world?
Yes, definitely. There’s a warmth in Southeast Asia—people welcome you with such openness, and they really feel the music. There’s this mix of calm and passion in the audience that makes it so beautiful to play here. It’s like everyone’s hearts are wide open.
You’ve frequently collaborated with other artists on tracks, albums, and in studio sessions. Are there any Southeast Asian or Malaysian artists you’d love to work with?
Oh, I’d love that! There’s so much talent in this part of the world. I’ve been listening to Yuna—she’s incredible. Her voice is so smooth and soulful, and I’d be over the moon to create something with her.
You’re known for your emotive, soulful performances. How do you keep that raw connection to your music after years of touring?
It’s all about honesty. If you sing the words like you mean them—because you do mean them—it never gets old. I also think the audience gives you that connection back; every night is different because every crowd is different. That keeps it fresh and real for me.
Joss Stone | Ombak Festival | Desaru Coast
Photography by Sunlee Khan
