As Hari Raya approaches, beloved actress and singer, Diana Danielle, and rising rapper, Francis Roman, have teamed up to create a new Raya anthem, titled “Raya Macam Mana?”
In the song, the pair sing back and forth at each other over an upbeat and catchy tune, with Francis asking a question about Hari Raya celebration plans and Diana answering, explaining the celebration’s traditions.
The song is primarily in Malay, but there is a short Mandarin segment sung by Diana. She shared that she had been taking Mandarin lessons for 3 years, but it was still a challenge for her to tackle. However, she felt it was important to keep this part in, as it highlights the spirit of unity as Malaysians celebrate each other’s cultures and languages.
While that was Diana’s highlight, Francis also shines during his rap, talking about how getting through the jam to reach home to the kampung is worth it when you can eat to your heart’s delight back at home.
They both expressed that the goal of the song is to showcase that the joy of Hari Raya celebrations can bring everyone together, no matter what race you may be. Francis shared how he has always participated in Raya celebrations, as his Malay friends brought him to Iftar and Moreh sessions during his university days. He also mentioned that it was because of this friend group that he decided to pursue the Malay rapping scene, despite being Malaysian-Chinese.
The single’s release was accompanied by an official music video, which follows Diana, Francis and their colleagues as they make their way from the office back to their hometown for a lively open house. Diana and Francis gave their thanks to the production crew that made the music video come to life, as they shot across over 10 iconic Malaysian locations including Stadium Merdeka, Lalaport BBCC, and Central Market.
“Raya Macam Mana?” showcases just how beautiful Malaysia’s multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-lingual identity is and how it fits perfectly into the Raya festivities. So if you’re not sure what to do this festive season, just ask your friends and family—raya macam mana?