KUALA LUMPUR: Several evergreen Hari Raya songs have been resung by new artistes these days.
While some of these artistes did a good job, listeners have lamented that others did not.
In fact, some Netizens have criticised the cover versions of old Hari Raya songs, and suggested that new artistes "keep their hands off them".
One such cover version is Balik Kampung, an iconic song made popular by Datuk Sudirman Arshad.
Most recently, it was given a hip-hop twist by Yonnyboii, Kmy Kmo, Luca Sickta, Siqma and Asyraf Nasir.
The quintet is aware of criticisms hurled at them by "purists", but they have also had their fair share of fans.
"We are aware that Balik Kampung is a popular Hari Raya song that is full of nostalgia. And its infectious chorus gets everybody to sing along," said Yonnyboii in a recent interview with Berita Harian Online.
He added: "Balik Kampung takes on a whole new meaning this year, because we have been unable to balik kampung for two years as a result of the Movement Control Order (MCO) to curb Covid-19."
Luca rearranged the music of the original song, while the five singers added rap elements to suit "young Malaysians' tastes".
"It's never been our intention to replace the original, Sudirman's song is timeless and legendary. Our version is a special reinterpretation that commemorates the end of the MCO," said Yonnyboii.
Another timeless Hari Raya song, Suasana Hari Raya made popular by Anuar Zain and Ellina Razak was rerecorded by Adibah Noor, Shidee, Ani Mayuni, Azan Scan, Bandi Amuk, Aliff Aziz, Aweera, Saiful Apek, Yassin Yahya, Nikki Palikat and Suki Low.
Their version, Suasana Di Hari Raya Famili Kita, was the brainchild of Ani and Azan, aimed at celebrating Hari Raya post-MCO.
Shidee said: "I prefer to sing a brand new Hari Raya song, but the rest of the team felt that listeners still preferred evergreen songs with a fresh reinterpretation."
He also said that reinterpretations were good, but they had to "move the emotions" of music lovers in order to be accepted.
"Making a rock song out of an original, for instance, is a no. And songs which are already touching such as Pulanglah by Aishah should best be left alone as they have deep meanings," he said.
Ukays vocalist Achik said that there was nothing wrong for new artistes to "resing" Hari Raya classics their way.
However, they ought to "give 200 per cent" effort so that the cover version tugged at listeners' heartstrings.
"I've recently re-recorded Bermaafan Di Aidilfitri, composed by Salman Shariff, written by Khairul Anuar and performed by Amir Ukays in 1995.
"The original version has an Arabic melody and is one of the more popular songs of that decade," said Achik.
Achik added that Salman invited him to resing Bermaafan Di Aidilfitri with a more upbeat sound a few months ago.
"It's pretty good, I feel it complements the original. Both sound great, and I hope listeners will enjoy my version as much as they enjoy Amir's," he said.