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AFTER an absence of nearly five decades, beloved Malaysian singer Datuk DJ Dave is once again spreading joy this Aidilfitri with the release of his new festive song entiled ‘Meriah Syawal’.
At the age of 77, the iconic artist, whose real name is Irwan Shah Abdullah, has brought to life a new Raya song that evokes the warm spirit of Syawal while also harking back to his unforgettable hit, ‘Menjelang Hari Raya’, which continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fans.
Produced in just six days, ‘Meriah Syawal’ is accompanied by a vibrant music video that captures the essence of traditional celebrations, the charm of rural life, and the joy of family reunions during the festive season.
In a Bernama exclusive, DJ Dave explained that the melody came to him spontaneously after sahur, the pre-dawn meal, earlier this month.
"I wondered if I would have enough time to record it, but with the support and encouragement of my wife, I was able to finish the song—from writing the lyrics and composing the melody to recording and producing the music video," he shared.
The legendary singer’s primary aim with ‘Meriah Syawal’ was to offer a meaningful gift to his loyal fans, particularly the younger generation.
"I wanted to present something fresh and meaningful, something that can be enjoyed by all ages, especially the youth," DJ Dave said in an interview with Bernama.
A unique feature of the song is the involvement of children in the recording process, which adds a lively and cheerful atmosphere to the track while evoking a sense of nostalgia for past Aidilfitri celebrations.
“I want my music to bridge the gap between the old and new generations, bringing back the true joy of Raya,” he explained. "The song is simple, with short and heartfelt lyrics."
To further celebrate local culture, the music video and song also incorporate traditional musical instruments, including the rebana and angklung, offering an authentic touch to the festive melody.
The video was filmed in and around Kuala Lumpur, reflecting the vibrant yet traditional feel of the festival.
DJ Dave, known for classic hits such as ‘Maafkanlah’ and ‘Ku Tak Ingin Menangis Lagi’, expressed his hope that ‘Meriah Syawal’ will become a cherished part of future Raya celebrations.
"I want this song to become as iconic as the classic Raya songs that are still beloved by fans year after year," he said.
Fans can catch the music video on DJ Dave's official YouTube channel starting tomorrow night, bringing a new festive favourite into homes just in time for the holidays. – March 27, 2025