#SHOWBIZ: Four decades of 'Mulanya Di Sini'
A SONG can capture a single moment in time for many musicians. For singer-composer Royston Sta Maria, the track he wrote for the group Freedom, ‘Mulanya Di Sini’, became something far more enduring.
Royston Sta Maria, now 74, began his songwriting career in the 1960s while with the group Discovery. Over the next four decades, his compositions, including the popular track Mulanya Di Sini, have become ingrained in Malaysian popular culture. The song, initially written for the band Freedom, won the third Asean Song Festival in 1986, and has since appeared in numerous commercials, TV broadcasts, and live performances.
Despite Roy's success, he sought to create a track that would stand the test of time. He collaborated with lyricist Syed Haron to craft a catchy chorus, resulting in the enduring melody of Mulanya Di Sini. The song's popularity has been evident in its live performances, with musicians and singers regularly posting their own renditions online.
Upon reaching its 40th anniversary, Roy decided to revisit the track for a new generation, carefully preserving its nostalgic essence by retaining the original vocal performances by Freedom's Shuib and the late Seha. The new version is part of a 12-track album, highlighting his lifetime of music work and providing a snapshot of a musical life shaped by bands, songwriting, competitions, live gigs, and collaborations.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
