‘I even slept sitting up’: Singer Penny Tai suffers from vertigo
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Malaysian singer Penny Tai released a new album, Twin Flame, on Nov 11.
PHOTO: PENNYXTAI/INSTAGRAM
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PETALING JAYA – Malaysian singer Penny Tai has said a health issue prevents her from doing big movements.
This was disclosed by the Taiwan-based singer when she met Taiwanese media on Nov 11 to talk about her new album and upcoming concert.
The 46-year-old made her debut in 2000 with the album, Penny. She released a new album, Twin Flame, on Nov 11.
The Johor-born artiste has also announced a concert scheduled for March 22, 2025, at Taipei Arena – the same venue she last performed at in 2016.
The Mandopop star said she had been struggling with vertigo for some time when the media asked if she was going to be dancing onstage.
Three years ago, she was diagnosed with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). According to the Mayo Clinic website, BPPV can cause brief but intense episodes of dizziness, triggered by specific changes in head position, such as lying down, looking up or down, or turning over in bed.
“It’s terrifying. I hardly dared to move and even slept sitting up for a time,” Tai said.
Her first episode occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic and lasted five to six days. With no option to see a doctor in person, she had to consult one online.
Since then, Tai has experienced three more episodes, each requiring her to see a specialist. After treatment, she often feels dizzy for half a day, making it hard to walk.
The singer, who is known for her ballad, The Love You Want, said the doctor warned her that the condition was likely to recur.
Tai also found out that her brother and sister suffer from the same condition, which made her wonder if it might be hereditary.
Despite these challenges, the singer was excited about her return to Taipei Arena.
“I want to be back onstage, but I know I need to build my mental strength and focus better. I’ve spent nine years performing at various events, which I believe have prepared me for this return to Taipei Arena.”
In January, Tai performed at The Star Theatre in Singapore as part of her Drift World Tour. She also staged performances in Malaysia and in Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
