KUALA LUMPUR: To help Malaysians cope with the current economic sluggishness and political uncertainty, award-winning singer and songwriter Najwa Mahiaddin has come up with a haunting yet inspiring song which urges Malaysians to stay united while weathering storms.
Najwa, the daughter of former Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, said she wrote and composed her new song After The Rain last year, and it has garnered nearly 75,000 views since she uploaded it on YouTube last Thursday.
“I believe in the power of music and its ability to heal. May this song provide comfort and strength to us in these trying times,” said Najwa in a Facebook message accompanying the song’s music video.
After The Rain’s poignant lyrics mention, among others, that as Malaysians we should “hold our heads up” because “after the rain comes the sun” and “when life gets cold, courage and wisdom must live in you”.
Its five-minute black-and-white music video which also features American singer-songwriter Juny on the piano, was directed by Henry Ooi and filmed in the Gold Coast, Sepang, Selangor.
“It’s Merdeka month, and thus a time for patriotism and unity, and After The Rain is an anthem for all of us to stay united as Malaysians and weather all storms that come our way,” Najwa told NST, adding that the song also expressed the universal message of hope.
Najwa revealed that the music video was her first in Gold Coast, and she has always wanted to visit the tourist attraction.
“Gold Coast is beautiful, especially during sunset. I’ve always wanted to shoot a music video there, and After The Rain has been my golden opportunity.”
Najwa said the video, filmed last year is her first collaboration with Ooi and Juny.
“Juny is a fantastic musician whom I’ve known for a few years. We share a passion for soulful sounds. As for Henry, he is a great director to work with as he knows how to get the best shots.”
Najwa describes herself as an optimist who believes that things will “certainly get better” soon.
She credits her parents, especially her father who always encourages her to think positive at all times, because positive thinking “is power”.