The festive season in Malaysia is always a time for celebration, and in recent years, catchy Raya songs have become a big part of the fun. This year, there was a unique twist – a logistics company, Ninja Van, decided to create their own Raya anthem! The result? The infectious “Raya Riuh Cinta,” a collaboration between DJ Fuzz, the multi-award-winning composer and producer, rapper Wan Azriel, co-producer Aziquebeats, and Ninja Van’s in-house lyricist Arif Kahar.
From hip hop to Raya feels: DJ Fuzz on creating “Raya Riuh Cinta”
The idea behind the song was intriguing—blend the energy of hip hop with the traditional, nostalgic vibes of classic Raya tunes. Sounds easy, right? Well, for DJ Fuzz, the biggest challenge wasn’t the concept itself, but the timeline. “Ninja Van came to the office,” DJ Fuzz explains, “with the idea of a Raya song, hip hop and traditional elements – macam mana tu?” (how do you do that?).” Little did they know, DJ Fuzz would be crafting the song while on vacation!
But this seasoned pro is no stranger to remote collaboration. “My team is really good, we always work mobile,” he says with a laugh. So, despite the time crunch and working entirely through Whatsapp, “Raya Riuh Cinta” began to take shape.
The key ingredient DJ Fuzz added to the mix? A generous helping of 90s Raya nostalgia. “Back in the good old days,” he reminisces, “lagu Raya [Raya songs] were always Irama Malaysia, traditional songs. But for this one, it’s hip hop.” His solution? Look back to the past, to the handful of 90s hip hop Raya hits, and use them as inspiration. “We wanted to make something laid back, not too punchy,” he explains, “a song you can jam 24 hours without getting tired of it.”
And that’s exactly what “Raya Riuh Cinta” achieves. It’s a modern take on Raya that pays homage to the classics, a song that transports listeners back to their “muda-muda dulu” (younger days) with a smile. It’s a perfect example of how innovation and tradition can come together to create something truly special, all thanks to the creative vision of DJ Fuzz and the forward-thinking approach of Ninja Van.
Making History with Ninja Van’s Raya Riuh Cinta
When DJ Fuzz finds out that “Raya Riuh Cinta” is the first Raya music video ever by a Malaysian logistics company, his surprise quickly turns to excitement. “Oh really? I didn’t know!” he exclaims.
“I’m excited and honoured,” he beams, “and very grateful for this collaboration. When thinking about it, we can’t really think of any logistics company in Malaysia that has already churned out a Raya song, so this means a lot to me!”
This groundbreaking project has clearly struck a chord with DJ Fuzz, solidifying his enthusiasm for the partnership. But the future seems even brighter for the DJ Fuzz and Ninja Van collaboration. DJ Fuzz, ever the showman, leaves us with a tantalising hint of what’s to come.
“Our collaboration, there’s many things!” he teases. “It could be another song, or another event…” Could we be hearing a catchy Ninja Van jingle anytime soon? DJ Fuzz keeps his lips sealed with a playful “surprise!”
One thing’s for sure, with DJ Fuzz’s creative energy and Ninja Van’s innovative spirit, this partnership is a match made in Raya heaven, and we can’t wait to see what exciting projects they bring to life next. Get ready, Malaysia, because it seems DJ Fuzz and Ninja Van are here to keep the Raya celebrations fresh, fun, and filled with infectious beats for years to come!
Finding the Raya Groove: An Interview with Rapper Azriel
As a rapper, Azriel sheds light on the difference between freestyling and writing for a project. “Freestyle, it’s a bit random,” he explains. “It goes back to the history of rap battles.” But for a song like “Raya Riuh Cinta,” a structured approach is key. “Working with a set structure,” he says, “makes it easier to find a groove that aligns with the vibe DJ Fuzz and the team are going for.” This collaborative approach ensures the lyrics perfectly complement the music.
Azriel infuses the song with a subtle nod to Raya traditions. “We incorporated some keys and tunes from classic Raya songs,” he reveals. “Raya is always tied back to those ‘zaman dulu-dulu‘ sounds.” He acknowledges that straying too far from tradition might alienate listeners. “People might say, ‘This doesn’t sound like Raya at all!'” The key lies in finding the perfect balance: respecting the past while creating something fresh and exciting.
A Chorus Born in Minutes: A Surprising Turn of Events
Azriel describes a moment of inspiration during the creative process. “I usually focus on the chorus first,” he says. “For this song, it just came together in under 3 minutes!” He recorded a bit, and DJ Fuzz immediately gave him the green light. “It wasn’t a challenge,” Azriel laughs, “but a surprise!” This unexpected moment of creative flow highlights the collaborative magic that went into crafting “Raya Riuh Cinta.”
The music video shoot for “Raya Riuh Cinta” wasn’t all work and no play. “It was hot,” Azriel admits, “because we filmed at Ninja Van’s biggest warehouse in Shah Alam.” But amidst the heat, there was a moment of lighthearted fun. “I got to fulfil a childhood dream of sitting on top of a truck!” he exclaims. In a hilarious turn of events, the crew forgot him perched on the truck. “I was waiting for them to give me the stairs to come down,” he laughs, “but it took them a while to realise! Hey, at least I got to live my dream a little longer!”
Arif: Weaving Stories and Family into “Raya Riuh Cinta” Lyrics
Arif reveals the unique source of inspiration for the song’s lyrics. “Nowadays, rap tends to focus on who’s toughest,” he explains. “But with ‘Raya Riuh Cinta,’ I wanted to go back to a time where rap was about telling stories.” He draws inspiration from legendary storytellers in the rap game, citing Tupac Shakur, Altimet, Joe Flizzow, Jay-Z, and Eminem as influences on his approach. This focus on narrative creates a song that resonates with listeners on an emotional level.
A Touch of Family: Personal Traditions in the Lyrics
Arif infuses the song with a personal touch by weaving in the cherished Raya tradition of family unity. “The lyrics talk about families gathering together, no matter how life gets tough,” he explains. “It highlights the idea that your family and Ninja Van will always have your back.” This sentiment stems from a powerful memory.
“Years ago, my grandfather passed away during Ramadan when I was only 12,” Arif shares. “Despite the bittersweet feelings, the family came together and celebrated Raya. It wasn’t the same, but the bond remained strong.” This personal experience adds depth and authenticity to the lyrics, reminding listeners of the enduring power of family during the festive season.
Arif doesn’t shy away from sharing a lighthearted moment from the creative process. “The funniest moment?” he laughs. “Rapping in front of DJ Fuzz and totally fumbling!” Even the most talented artists face moments of stage fright.
But beyond the laughter, there were challenges too. “The biggest challenge was the tight deadline,” Arif admits. “Hazel [from Ninja Van] asked me to come up with lyrics in a week! I actually wrote two versions: one about finding love during Raya, and another with a more general feel-good vibe.” This dedication and creative flexibility ensured the perfect lyrics for “Raya Riuh Cinta.”
Raya Riuh Cinta: Not Your Average Raya Jam
“Raya Riuh Cinta” isn’t your typical Raya song. It’s a mashup of awesome that brings together DJ Fuzz’s sick beats, Azriel’s smooth rhymes, and Arif’s heartfelt lyrics. It’s got that old-school Raya feel we all love, but with a modern twist that keeps things fresh.
Plus, the whole collaboration between Ninja Van and these talented artists proves that Raya celebrations can be both innovative and hold on to tradition. So crank up the volume, Raya Riuh Cinta is here to be your new go-to Raya jam!
Watch the full Ninja Van Malaysia’s “Raya Riuh Cinta” music video below!
