THE holidays are not only the perfect occasion to spend time with loved ones while eating the best-homecooked meals – they are also the ideal opportunity to sing your heart out.
Appreciated by generations, we wonder what the approaches are towards creating a successful track.
Is it all about key components – song duration, key, tempo? Or does it lie in the artist's age, market appeal and branding gimmicks?
Oldie but goldie
These are the strongest memory triggers that carry sentimental weight. We turn them on every year to help start the holiday season.
*Saloma – 'Selamat Hari Raya'
From the all-time classic ‘Selamat Hari Raya’ by the late songstress, Saloma, to ‘Balik Kampung’ by the late Sudirman, a favourite go-to the minute we travel back to our hometown. Not to forget, M. Nasir’s ‘Suatu Hari di Hari Raya’.
Different songs spark different deeper meanings, closely related to the time when you first hear them. The emotional engagement which gets transferred to subsequent generations is the strength of the classics.
*M. Nasir – 'Satu Hari Di Hari Raya'
*Datuk Sharifah Aini – 'Selamat Hari Raya'
There is a long list of others but what makes them great is that they are simple and timeless (anthems that are evergreen).
Contemporary concoctions
Over the years we have seen many Raya hits that have made the musical landscape more colourful, enough to at least attract a new wave of audience and update the vibe of Aidilfitri.
*DOLLA – 'Raya Raya Raya'
Bornean-born Nur Nabilah Hashim, better known among her fans as Nana Sheme, spoke about what motivated her most behind her latest festive release ‘R.A.Y.A’.
“When I first worked on the track, I had initially planned to sell the song to another entertainer or brand. But when I was doing the demos, I started to pour my heart and soul into it more intensely,” said the singer who rose to fame through YouTube during a Zoom interview.
“At first, I created the melody. Then came the writing process, which I wrote to relate my feelings about returning to my hometown in Kuching.
“The thought of experiencing the thrill of going home is something unexplainable, and I believe anyone who has been away from family long enough would understand.
“When I spoke to my boss that I would eventually want to carry the song for myself, the support came even at the last minute. I am thankful that it manifested well,” she added.
*Nanasheme – 'R.A.Y.A'
According to Nana, she didn’t have any marketing stunt done even, “…and that was because we had no time for it because everything was completed within a week. From the pitch to the engagement with production and studio and shoot for the music video.
“It was spontaneous, and I really hope people would love it organically just like how the work turned out,” said the singer.
“During my trip to Kuching for the music video production, I tried to maximise my time and I only was able to join my family for buka puasa only once, for one night.
“That is the challenging part. Probably because I spend most of my time working literally across the sea, being based in KL,” said Nana, adding that she never misses an opportunity to balik kampung because of it.
“What I value most about this Raya is family time, and I try my best not to work apart from attending to social media for partner content,”
Another rising artist that has come up with a new Raya number is local singer-rapper Bunga with her song called ‘Mereng’.
*Bunga – 'Mereng'
Speaking to us during an Iftar session a week before Raya celebration, she notes there is a need to come up with the single because celebrations were muted the past two years.
“I feel that this year, our efforts should be made greater to uplift everyone’s mood. And with regards to the new song – I can’t wait to get everyone hyped up and excited again.
Bunga also recently collaborated with Disney+ Hotstar on a heartfelt rap titled ‘Cerita Kita Bersama’, setting the tone for a meaningful celebration this festive season.
Drawing inspiration from her memories, the powerful rap encapsulates the essence of Ramadhan and the Hari Raya celebrations for Malaysians across all walks of life.
It illustrates the significance of the occasion, detailing a myriad of emotions and highlights the importance of familial ties, compelling all listeners to reflect on their own experiences.
*Bunga x Disney+ Hotstar ‘Cerita Kita Bersama’
“For this lyrical production, the mood is more reflective, and it is purposely presented in spoken words for it to give a lasting impact.
“It’s not necessarily about the thrill of Raya itself but the lived experiences transition from one special month to another.
“I created something that resonated with my own thoughts and personal life I hope it will resonate across with the audience as well,” said Bunga.
“I’m glad that I was given the golden opportunity to showcase my work on a bigger (and international) scale,” she added.
Noting the wide range of music and entertainment content that have been released to fit the theme of a festive celebration, “…some (content) are controversial, some are pure fun. I don’t necessarily pick sides, and honestly just stick to my form of artistry so that I can strive to deliver my intentions well.”
“If I am engaging with a brand, for instance, I will do my best to meet the objectives of what the campaign is about.
Pseudo-intellectual kinds that border on parody
The more controversial kinds mentioned above are of course performances that leave those watching dazed and confused.
Get ready for a selection of cringe-fest moments that you are not quite sure whether to laugh or cry.
*Datuk Seri Aliff Syukri & Datin Seri Shahida – 'Kelepok Raya'
Celebrity entrepreneur Aliff Syukri made headlines with his song ‘Kelepok Raya’ due to several reasons. On this, we will let our readers be the judge.
He even went on to testify for almost five hours at the headquarters of the Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) over the ordeal.
Since then, the cosmetic businessman has apologised for taking his publicity antics a bit too far without understanding the ‘sacredness’ of singing about a time that many Muslims hold dear too.
The joke that he intended to push for only managed to be put on himself and his production team.
Truthfully, we thought part of the dance choreography and costume could have been more visually in sync.
Maybe, he would have gotten much better advice from long-time friend and publicity for Datuk Seri Vida and her team.
Yes, this glam and gimmick queen equally came out with her own Raya song (or spoof), ‘Muah Muah Raya’.
*Datuk Seri Vida – 'Muah Muah Raya'
If the song begins with a ‘the most havoc Raya song you will hear’ disclaimer by the cosmetic businesswoman herself, you sure know what to expect.
On a scale of one to hedonism – these two are prime examples.
Call the writer a prude but releases such as these leave a tasteless impression of Raya songs today and what they used to be.
So, what is the formula of a good perennial banger these days?
No one knows for sure. For as long as it gets a lot of hits, then it sure is worth the effort – at least until one must make a public apology. – The Vibes, May 3, 2022
