Maya releases single in conjunction with its 31st anniversary
KUCHING: The popular sevenpiece band Maya has come up with a single ‘Terima Kasih Sayau’ (Thank You, Love) in conjunction with its 31st anniversary celebration.
The romantic ballad was officially released on Youtube channel on Jan 29 this year, Maya spokesman Johnson Oh told The Borneo Post.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the band could only promote the single through social media like Facebook and WhatsApp.
The launch event in conjunction with the band’s 31st anniversary celebration also had to be postponed due to the movement control order (MCO) restrictions, said Johnson.
“As this year 2021 is our 31st anniversary in the Iban music industry, we felt inspired to release a love song. This song can be presented to wives and girlfriends as its lyrics are very appropriate,” he said.
‘Terima Kasih Sayau’ is still at the number two position at the Cats FM radio station’s Carta Lagu Tebilang ranking this week, he pointed out.
Released under the Assapai Music Production label, lyrics of the song were written by Wanddie Ibrahim.
Its music was arranged by the band members, with audio mastering and mixing aspects by Alcuaz Jackie.
Its music video was produced by Clement Saran Sering and directed by Maxwell Franklin Saran who doubled as the videographer together with Auguster Ginsit and Lenggir Jang Lindang.
“This single is dedicated especially to our fans who have been supporting us all this while.
“If the response is good, we’ll be releasing our second single soon and perhaps also, we will come up with a full DVD album,” he said.
In 2006, Maya released its first album entitled ‘Cemburu Ati’ (Jealous Heart) which included songs ‘Cemburu Ati’, ‘Nuan Di Ati’ and ‘Sulu Udah Berubah’.
Maya was formed in 1990 with the view to provide live band entertainment at weddings, corporate functions and concerts, said Johnson, who plays the bass guitar.
Other members are vocalist Clency Chahan, lead guitarist and keyboardist Alcuaz Jackie, rhythm guitarist David Friday, drummer Ahmad Zaki Abdullah, percussionist
Steven Dean Freddy and keyboardist Kenelm Bidi.
Johnson lamented that like many others, the band is also facing challenges arising from the Covid-19 pandemic situation.
“As performing at functions or public places is not allowed, our income is greatly affected. But we thank our fans who support us through thick and thin.”
Johnson said the band will be selling its merchandises including the Maya Band Tshirt soon.
“Maya was born on April 1, 1990 at Siol Kandis. It started as a six-piece band. Apart from Siol Kandis, members are from Taman Heng Guan, Matang and Kuching,” he said.
Kenelm is the latest member and that is why Maya is now a seven-piece band, he added.