Sakura Band’s ‘Raya di Kampung’ Captures the Heart of Aidilfitri with Indie Flair and Nostalgic Storytelling
KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian indie music fans will have a fresh festive soundtrack this Aidilfitri as Sakura Band unveils its latest single, “Raya di Kampung,” a song that combines indie musical influences with heartfelt reflections on family, homecoming and festive traditions.
The new release is inspired by the personal journey of the band’s vocalist, Melley Matius, widely known as Mell, who shared that the song reflects her unique experiences celebrating Hari Raya after embracing Islam.
According to Mell, the song tells the emotional story of returning to one’s hometown ahead of Aidilfitri, capturing the anticipation and happiness associated with family reunions during the festive season.
Through its melody and lyrics, “Raya di Kampung” portrays the familiar atmosphere of balik kampung journeys, where families gather to celebrate traditions, reconnect with loved ones and create cherished memories.
A Personal Connection to the Festival
For Mell, the song carries deep personal significance because her early life did not include many experiences celebrating Hari Raya.
She explained that after converting to Islam, she was able to experience the joy and warmth of Aidilfitri celebrations for the first time, something that left a lasting impression on her.
That emotional transformation became the foundation for the song’s narrative.
“‘Raya di Kampung’ is really about the feeling of going back home and celebrating with family. It highlights the joy and warmth that come with Hari Raya gatherings,” Mell said.
She added that the song is a way of sharing the emotional meaning of the festival with listeners who may also associate the celebration with family bonds and nostalgic memories.
Creative Collaboration Behind the Song
The composition of the track was produced by Mell’s husband, Mohammad Safwan Hasnan, better known as Wan, who is the drummer for the band 6ixth Sense.
Wan was responsible for developing both the melody and the lyrics for the song.
The music itself draws inspiration from the signature sound of 6ixth Sense, particularly the band’s popular track “Polaroid,” resulting in a modern yet sentimental musical arrangement.
This collaboration between Mell and Wan helped shape the song into a festive track that balances contemporary indie sounds with emotional storytelling.
Music Video to Premiere Before Aidilfitri
Fans can also look forward to the release of the official music video for “Raya di Kampung,” which is expected to premiere before the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.
The video is anticipated to visually highlight the themes of returning to one’s hometown and celebrating festive traditions with family members.
By presenting familiar scenes associated with Hari Raya celebrations, the band hopes to evoke feelings of nostalgia among listeners.
Upcoming Album Featuring Original Compositions
Beyond the festive single, Sakura Band is currently preparing to release a new album scheduled for launch in April.
The album will feature seven songs and maintain the band’s signature indie music concept.
Five of the songs were written and composed by the Sakura Band members themselves, showcasing their creative direction and musical identity.
The remaining two tracks were produced with contributions from external composers, including Zimie and Adi Priyo Sambodo, also known as Adi of 6ixth Sense.
The album represents the band’s continued commitment to producing original music while expanding their artistic style.
Recording Began Immediately After Gegar Vaganza
Mell revealed that the album recording process began almost immediately after she completed her participation in the reality singing competition Gegar Vaganza Season 12.
The singer, who secured fifth place in the competition, said she wasted no time returning to the studio to begin work on the album.
“In fact, the day after the Gegar Vaganza final, I went straight into the studio to record a new song because we wanted to ensure the album could be completed on schedule,” she said.
She confirmed that all the songs have now been recorded and the album is currently in its final production stage.
Band Remains the Main Focus for Now
While Mell has expressed interest in pursuing a solo music project in the future, she emphasised that her current focus remains on Sakura Band.
The singer explained that with the upcoming album launch, the band’s activities and musical projects will remain her priority this year.
Her solo plans are expected to be explored in the coming years once the band’s album promotion cycle is completed.
With the release of “Raya di Kampung,” Sakura Band hopes to offer listeners a new festive anthem that celebrates the spirit of balik kampung while strengthening their presence in Malaysia’s indie music landscape.
-wilayah.com.my
