Popular Merdeka Day songs that most 90s kids know and love
When it comes to Independence Day celebrations, most Malaysians have fond memories of singing Merdeka Day songs in the school field by waving the national flag with friends. For 66 years, these familiar tunes have been on TV and radio each year when the national spirit kicks in every August.
Out of all the generations, 90s kids certainly have had some of the best Independence Day celebrations due to the variety of songs we got to sing in schools. Here’s a list of 10 popular Merdeka Day songs that most 90s kids know and love that bring back childhood memories.
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1. Tanggal 31 by Sudirman
Video credit: Millennium Falcon via YouTube
Tanggal 31 is arguably the most popular song for Merdeka Day celebrations that has stood the test of time and is remembered by many generations.
Played by the legendary Sudirman bin Arshad, this is a must-have for every Independence Day. The song, however, was originally written and sung by Ahmad Chass Barra or Ahmad C. B. from Medan, Indonesia.
It talks about the day Malaysia achieved its independence, 31st August 1957, and urges people to celebrate it with pride. Due to its popularity, the song was also incorporated into Sudirman’s 1982 album Abadi.
2. Jalur Gemilang
Video credit: Jabatan Penerangan Malaysia via YouTube
Malaysia’s national flag was declared Jalur Gemilang or Stripes of Glory in 1997 by then-Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. On 9th August 2003, in anticipation of the 46th Independence Day, a song was officially launched to commemorate the national flag, and made its way to becoming one of the most memorable songs by most 90s kids.
Jalur Gemilang, named after the national flag, was composed and produced by the late Datuk Suhaimi Mohd Zain, fondly known as Pak Ngah, and features lyrics from Siso Kopratasa. It talks about the national flag and tells people what it represents – national identity.
3. Keranamu Malaysia
Video credit: melissatan83 via YouTube
If there’s a song that all 90s kids can think of for Independence Day, it has to be Keranamu Malaysia that made our schooling days. This song is really popular among 90s kids because we sang it in assemblies at most of our Independence Day celebrations at school.
Besides, it was the official song for the longest-reigning Merdeka theme Keranamu Malaysia – from 2000 to 2006. It was also a song that celebrated Malaysia’s breakthrough achievements as a developing country in Southeast Asia.
Produced by Pak Ngah and written by lyricist Siso Kopratasa, Keranamu Malaysia is a must in Merdeka Day celebrations in schools even today.
4. Saya Anak Malaysia by dR Sam Rasputin and M. Nasir
Video credit: ObitLensa obit via YouTube
Released in 1986, Saya Anak Malaysia is about a personal experience of what it feels like to be a Malaysian. The song talks about dR Sam’s personal life experiences as a citizen and where he comes from.
Written and composed by dR Sam and M. Nasir, this song transcends racial and cultural differences and tells everyone to be proud citizens.
The popularity of the song made a fresh comeback with a newer rendition being released in 2020, featuring various Malaysian artists. It is definitely one of those songs that 90s kids remember.
5. Warisan by Sudirman
Video credit: Sudirman Arshad via YouTube
Perhaps one of the most emotional and patriotic songs that were performed by students in school choirs and group performances has to be Warisan.
Composed and written by Syed Haron, this masterpiece was part of Sudirman’s 1982 album Abadi. It talks about remembering the hard work of national heroes in achieving independence for the country.
The song was so popular that its first line, Di sini lahirnya sebuah cinta which means ‘Here is the birth of a love’ was made the theme of the 57th Independence Day in 2014.
6. Sejahtera Malaysia
Video credit: KaweHanyaPeminat via YouTube
Sejahtera Malaysia is another popular song remembered and loved by most 90s kids in schools. The song was originally sung by Fauziah Ahmad Daud, Azlina Aziz, Rohana Jalil, Elaine Kang and Desree in the early 1980s.
Its vocal range and lyrical arrangement have caught the attention of various artists. Many have covered the original song and plenty of newer renditions can be found on Youtube today. This anthem celebrates national unity and sacrifice to uphold Malaysia’s good name.
7. Here In My Home
Video credit: Pete Teo Television via YouTube
In 2008, when the country was going through racial tension due to the demolition of hundreds of Hindu temples, the Malaysian Artistes for Unity released a single.
Here In My Home, composed and produced by Pete Teo was performed by Malaysian artists of different ethnicities to celebrate national unity and restore hope in the country. It’s a unique song because it has verses in Mandarin and Tamil which happened to be a game-changer in how patriotic songs are made.
It features big names such as Afdlin Shauki, Awie, Ning Baizura, Jaclyn Victor, Reshmonu, Datuk Tony Fernandes, Maya Karin, Shebby Singh, Sharifah Amani, Amber Chia, Ida Nerina and many more.
8. Satu Malaysia
Video credit: honey1681 via YouTube
Besides Keranamu Malaysia, Satu Malaysia is perhaps the second most remembered Independence Day theme by all Malaysians and in 2009, it was accompanied by a self-titled song.
Featuring main vocals by Ronnie and Ernie, Satu Malaysia was popular for its melodic arrangement and memorable chorus. The song talks about national unity and creating one identity for all under the ‘One Malaysia’ concept.
It was produced by the students and staff from the Limkokwing Sound and Music Design Academy at Limkokwing University.
9. Oh Malaysia! by Tan Sri. P Ramlee
Video credit: Be Happy Long Life via YouTube
This timeless piece written by the late legendary Tan Sri P. Ramlee is a lyrical gem that celebrates the diversity and beauty of our nation. Sung in a charming pantun style, this song’s lyrics paints a vivid picture of the various states and their unique cultural traditions. From the stunning landscapes to the joyous festivities, the song captures the essence of Malaysia’s rich heritage.
A highlight of this song is its cheerful chorus, which listeners can’t help but hum along to.
10. Bahtera Merdeka by Aishah
Video credit: Sony Music MY via YouTube
Bahtera Merdeka by Aishah was released in 1988. Written by Adnan Abu Hassan and the late Allahyarham Sudirman Arshad, this song speaks about unity, freedom, and the spirit of independence.
Additionally, this patriotic piece was released during a significant period in Malaysia’s history – it came out in conjunction with the country’s celebration of its 31st Independence Day in 1988. The song’s lyrics nicely captured the sentiments of the people when it released, highlighting our country’s achievements and its struggle for independence.
Popular Merdeka Day songs that 90s kids know and love
It’s truly a pleasure to be born in the 90s because, unlike other generations, 90s kids have had the privilege to enjoy life in Malaysia before and after technological advancements and this is especially true when it comes to celebrating Independence Day.
We hope the songs in this list will bring back some of your wonderful memories from your schooling years and how we used to love the simplest things in life as children.
Cover image adapted from: Datuk Sudirman Haji Arshad via Facebook, Catatan Trainer Kursus Penulisan, SMK Pahi
This article was first published on 23rd July 2021, and updated by Yusintha on 23rd August 2023.