WHEN we think of Hari Raya, staple songs such as the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee's 'Dendang Perantau', Datuk M. Nasir's 'Satu Hari Di Hari Raya', Puan Sri Saloma's 'Selamat Hari Raya', and Datuk Sudirman Arshad's 'Balik Kampung' allow us to wax nostalgic on the good old times.
But as the favourite time of year for many approaches, this Hari Raya comes with a mixed bag of emotions, given that much of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur find themselves placed under lockdown, yet again.
But now, under this strange "new normal", a slew of Malay artists have dropped a string of new Hari Raya-themed songs in recent weeks to keep up the festive cheer.
And in this spirit, we have come up with a list of fresh Hari Raya tunes to lighten up the mood and bring on the holiday vibes. Happy listening!
1. Iqbal M – 'Kita Mesti Jumpa'
Spontaneously written during an Instagram live session three years ago, 'Kita Mesti Jumpa' marks Indie rock band Iqbal M's first release since their critically-acclaimed album PSKJB ('Perasaan Sedih Janganlah Kau Bimbang') launched in 2019. The band's frontman said the studio version of 'Kita Mesti Jumpa' came about after fans had requested a song about the holiday from him.
"It's not easy to make a Raya song and maybe because we are all used to the old Raya tunes that have been deeply embedded in ourselves," he said in a statement.
"It comes to a point where it's hard for us to accept the new styles of Raya songs of the day." The track was released on May 3.
2. Ushera – 'Kembali'
Jazz songstress Ushera released her Raya song titled 'Kembali' that saw her taking on the traditional Malay sound with a hint of the Malay Ghazal.
Reintroducing Malaysian fans to the Malayan classics of the 1940s and 1950s with her polished style, Ushera was inspired to address the current predicament of city dwellers unable to return to their hometowns for Raya.
“'Kembali' is my second attempt at writing and producing a Raya song after 'Suka Ria Raya' in 2017. However, it is my first time singing and recording the full classic traditional Malay song in a softer tone," she said in a press release.
"It started with me writing the music on my own but it has been completely re-composed and produced by Ganesh Bala adding the Ghazal influence in the melody. The lyric was originally written by Raihani Mohd Saaid, and the final copy of the lyrics was co-written by me to fit the sentiment that I was going for. It has been quite an arduous process getting 'Kembali' out in time for Raya this year but I am happy with the result.”
3. Faizal Tahir, Zizi Kirana and Darmas – 'Ceria Aidilfitri'
Pop-rock singer Faizal Tahir teamed up with rapper Zizi Kirana and Malay traditional band Darmas in the radiant 'Ceria Aidilfitri' which launched on May 3.
The track comes after Faizal released his single 'Aku Tanpa CintaMu 2021' that was launched on April 9, and 'Syahadah' on April 23, as well as 'Borak Barang Baik: Versi Tadabbur' on April 9.
The Raya collaboration comes fresh off the heels of Sabahan Zizi Kirana clinching The Best Performance award at the recent Anugerah Juara Lagu 35 (AJL35).
Meanwhile, Darmas is a band driven by the rhythms derived from traditional Malay classics and "kulintangan", an ancient series of gongs from the Sabah tribes, presenting a kaleidoscopic mix of Malaysian eclectic sounds.
4. Dolla - 'Raya Raya Raya'
Since premiering on YouTube on April 30, female pop sensation Dolla's festive-themed single 'Raya Raya Raya' has amassed over 700,000 views. Lately, the girl group has been labelled as a carbon copy of K-Pop megastars Blackpink, which they refute.
Consisting of Wan Sabrina Wan Rusli (Sabronzo), Noorsyasya Afiqah Shahrizal (Syasya), Tabitha Ariel Lam Lianne (Tabby) and Angelina Chai (Angel), the group has so far copped out four songs starting with the English song 'Dolla Make You Wanna' in March last year. The debut was followed up with their second single 'Imipkan' in October. In 'Raya Raya Raya', Dolla had worked with several composers and lyricists such as Kalerj, Ajay Amai, Mike Chan, Glow Rush, Nick Arif, Acap Salim, and Somean K-Clique, according to Harian Metro.
5. Yonnyboii, Kmy Kmo, Luca Sickta, Siqma, Asyraf Nasir and Abubakarxli – 'Rap Der Raya'
Six up-and-coming rappers under Def Jam Recordings Malaysia churned up a Raya tune that is mostly hip-hop in nature. 'Rap Der Raya' launched on April 30 with an accompanying music video that features Yonnyboii, Kmy Kmo, Luca Sickta, Siqma, Asyraf Nasir and Abubakarxli who are no strangers in the mainstream or underground rap scene.
The track is the brainchild of Yonnyboii, who expressed hope that the song will be a staple song in the future and make a huge impact on the local music scene.
“Due to my hectic schedule, I did the recording of the song by myself at home. I was then motivated by Luca Sickta and Def Jam Recordings Malaysia to continue the recording," he said.
"As for the shooting of the music video, I would say that it was an amazing new experience. I get to know other artists and those involved behind the scenes more closely, especially the team from Def Jam Recordings Malaysia and Universal Music Malaysia.”
6. Poova – 'Bersama Di Hari Raya'
Poova, the female artiste most known for her single 'Karya', has offered a fresh take to the classic Raya song ‘Bersama Di Hari Raya’, which was popularised in the 80s by sisters Helen and Irene Savari of the band Cenderawasih.
"This is the first time that I have sung a Raya song. Actually, singing such a song has been a long time coming for me to liven up the fasting month and in gearing up to celebrate Hari Raya," she said in a press release.
The 21st Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM21) winner in 2014 said she chose to cover the song because she wanted to celebrate the nostalgia of non-Malay singers who had performed Raya songs.
"Apart from this, I also sang the song in my own way but retained its original identity." – The Vibes, May 13, 2021
