Classics with a twist
In the album Nada Seni Gema Lebaran, singercomposer Ajai brings together established and new talents in rendering Aidilfitri classics, writes Syahirah Mokhtazar
WHAT is Hari Raya Aidilfitri without classic Raya tunes such as Suasana Di Hari Raya (by Anuar Zain and Elina), or Seloka Hari Raya (Uji Rashid and Hail Amir)? These timeless tunes lift our spirits during festivities. Regardless of new songs in the market, the classics always remain a favourite.
Award-winning singer-songwriter Mohd Faizal Maas, or Ajai, knows this all too well. He and his partners, musician S. Atan and entrepreneur Adib Khalid, have produced a Raya album titled Nada Seni Gema Lebaran that comprises 24 classic Raya songs with a refreshing twist.
LEGENDS
The album features the voices of iconic singing legends, and also, new and young singers.
“I was inspired to use the veteran singers as well as the new ones as it’s a great way to attract listeners of
all ages.
“Til today, these classics are the songs we hum throughout the festive season so I hope the album will garner a positive feedback,” said Ajai.
“We rearranged the classic songs to give listeners a breath of fresh air without stripping away the original melodies.
“Producing the album within two months was a challenging but rewarding experience. I have utmost respect for the veteran singers and am so grateful they agreed to be a part of this project.”
The veteran singers include Datuk Yusni Hamid, Ziana Zain, Salamiah Hassan, Sanisah Huri, Ramlah Ram, Salwa Abdul Rahman while the newcomers are Fazli Zainal, Salma Asis,Haziq Rosebi and Hael Husaini.
YOUNG TALENT
“I have confidence in the younger singers, who have made their mark in the music industry. Their vocal talents are amazing,” said Ajai.
Songs in the album include Selamat Hari Raya, Seloka Hari Raya. “The tunes mostly pay tribute to the original singers of the songs such as Puan Sri Saloma, Datin Rafeah Buang, Datuk Ahmad Jais, Tan Sri P. Ramlee and Datuk Sharifah Aini.”
Ajai said the vocal prowess of the veteran artistes still amaze him.
“Sanisah, for example, hasn’t recorded a song for the longest time but her voice is still powerful. She was extremely excited to be a part of this project, without the slightest hesitation.”
ZIANA ZAIN ON THE ALBUM
“It’s great that Ajai had the initiative to produce this album,” said Ziana.
“Having my name in the same belt as Sanisah Huri, Salamiah Hassan as well as the other veterans feels surreal. I grew up listening to their music, so the opportunity to work with them is like a dream come true.” Working with the younger singers was a delight for Ziana as well. “I enjoyed working with singers like Hazama for the duet Halaman Asmara. I salute their vocal talents and hope that they will continue to
We rearranged the classic songs to give listeners a breath of fresh air without stripping away the original melodies. Ajai
strive to maintain the music industry’s colourful spectrum.”
On other young artistes Ziana would like to collaborate with, the mother-of-four said: “I’m always ready to work with anyone. It has never been my practice to list who I’d like to work with. I like to go with the flow.”
The album, which is produced by Eight Minarets and distributed by Universal Music Malaysia, is available for purchase on various digital platforms and is priced at RM25.