Datuk DJ Dave believes the charm of 1970s Hari Raya songs remains unbeaten by modern releases, despite new talent.
PETALING JAYA: Veteran singer Datuk DJ Dave believes the unique charm of Hari Raya songs from the 1970s remains unrivalled by contemporary releases.
The 78-year-old artist, famous for the perennial hit ‘Menjelang Hari Raya’, acknowledged the quality work of younger composers today.
He pondered why the “magic” of earlier decades seems absent in newer songs, using his own 2023 release ‘Meriah Syawal’ as an example of a track that did not meet expectations.
“I’m not sure what ingredient is missing, whether it is the melody or the lyrics,” he said.
He observed that radio stations may play many new Raya songs, but listeners consistently return to the classics.
DJ Dave, whose real name is Irwan Shah Abdullah, attributed the special quality of 1970s music to its revolutionary era, influenced first by rock and roll and later by disco.
His iconic song ‘Menjelang Hari Raya’ was recorded in 1977 and gained widespread popularity the following year.
He recalled the excitement of hearing it played on three radio stations at the time, a tradition that continues nearly 50 years later.
Speaking as chairman of Yayasan Kebajikan Artis Tanahair (YKAT), he also highlighted the foundation’s work supporting veteran performers.
YKAT provides a monthly pension of RM500 to eight veteran artistes facing illness or financial difficulties.
The foundation assists with medical costs and may provide aid multiple times if a single contribution is insufficient.
At a recent breaking-of-fast event, YKAT distributed Aidilfitri assistance of RM1,000 each to 17 veteran artistes aged 60 and above.
Recipients included singers Sohaimi Mior Hassan and Fairuz Husin, as well as actors Zaidi Omar and Farid Amirul Hisham Wu Abdullah.
