#SHOWBIZ: Yasin reclaims voice in 'Yang Tinggal'

After more than four years out of the spotlight, singer-songwriter Yasin Sulaiman is cautiously reclaiming his musical voice. The 51-year-old is taking time to reorganise his life, rekindle relationships with his family, and chart his artistic future. His latest single, 'Yang Tinggal', a collaboration with rapper Malique and singer Zizi Kirana, marks a significant milestone in his comeback journey.

Produced by Icon Records (M) Sdn Bhd and Sony Music Entertainment Malaysia, the track delves into themes of loss, sacrifice, hope, and the value of human life, all while referencing the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. The song asks a poignant question: what remains when war strips away homes, families, and hope? For Yasin, this project transcends a mere comeback—it's an opportunity to leverage music to shed light on the human impact of conflict.

The song's creation began in September of the previous year, when Malique shared a demo with the chorus. After several names were proposed, Yasin was selected to bring the message to life, despite initial uncertainty about his availability. The track features a blend of musical styles, with Malique establishing the creative backbone, Zizi contributing emotional intensity, and Yasin providing deep introspection.

Their voices are augmented by the Voices of Bilad al-Sham choir, adding emotional depth. The song's core message is deeply concerned with the children affected by the destruction in Gaza. The team was deeply moved by news reports while working on the track, and their aim is to raise awareness, focusing on the message of peace. For Zizi, recording the song was emotionally taxing due to the distressing imagery of children in Gaza.

Yasin sees the song's title as a direct question to humanity after profound loss. He reflects, "The song 'Yang Tinggal' is actually a question. After all the destruction, the loss of lives and the loss of everything, what remains?" The song's stark theme is amplified by Yasin's own recent personal struggles, including a four-year absence marked by time in prison and medical treatment, during which he openly battled bipolar disorder.

Upon his return, he emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for his health, such as adhering to lifelong medication and avoiding substances like cannabis. Rather than rushing into a career resurgence, Yasin is concentrating on his family, establishing his recording studio, and planning subsequent projects. During his time away, he penned new songs and completed a 400-page autobiography to raise mental health awareness.

Yasin believes his story can inspire those grappling with mental health issues, emphasizing that recovery is possible with the right treatment. The success of 'Yang Tinggal' underscores the power of music to convey complex emotions, raise awareness, and foster empathy, demonstrating that it can serve a purpose beyond a return to the stage—it can advocate for loss, build understanding, and remind us of our shared humanity.