It’s less than a week until the Hari Raya celebrations, and there is plenty of buzz in the air as we get closer to the end of the holy month of Ramadan! You might have heard some Hari Raya songs playing on the radio lately, so Jom Belajar decided to share the history and meaning behind three of the most popular and classic songs…
‘Dendang Perantau’ by P. Ramlee
This song is one of the oldest Raya tunes by Malaysia’s greatest artiste, the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee. Timeless and sung with plenty of soul, it tells the story of a man who has left his hometown and thinks of his loved ones on Hari Raya. Click here to listen!
‘Balik Kampung’ by Sudirman
The term ‘Balik Kampung’ (meaning return to village) is when many Malaysians traditionally return from the big metropolitan cities to (mostly) rural areas (where their hometowns are located) to celebrate Hari Raya with family and friends.
This festive spirit is reflected in the late singer, Dato’ Sudirman bin Haji Arshad chirpy and easy sing-along anthem, Balik Kampung! The lyrics vividly describe the journey from the hustle and bustle of the city to a picturesque landscape and the eagerness of seeing your kampung, i.e. village/home town. Click here to listen to the song!
‘Suasana Hari Raya’ by Anuar & Elina
You can’t help but smile when listening to this Raya favorite sung by two young teenagers Anuar Zain and Ellina Razak, back in 1984. The song describes the joy in completing their fasting obligations and how it’s time to enjoy and take part in the festivities! Click here to listen and sing along!
Of course, there are so many more classic and contemporary Hari Raya songs that we have not included, but we hope you enjoy listening and get into the celebratory spirit!
