Tanahairku for Malaysia Day 2013

#tanahairku the music moved the crowd with its contemporary beat and melody, but the lyrics although over half a century old, were also very relevant to all Malaysians who heard the song as they went about their shopping and dining. “Tanah Air” with the lyrics from the poem written by Malaysian National Poet Laureate, Allahyarham Dato’ Dr. Usman Awang which has now been transformed into a song with the help of well-known composer Audi Mok.


Written 56 years ago just before Malaysia gained independence, “Tanah Air” was resurrected by PETRONAS for this year’s Merdeka and Malaysia Day celebrations. “Tanah Air” was produced to resonate with the younger generation of Malaysians and communicate the messages of tolerance and unity among the nation’s diverse cultures through the spirit of independence and unity succinctly captured in the poem.

The celebration was at Publika Dutamas in Kuala Lumpur the crowd was entertained with performances by the Malaysian Philharmomic Youth Orchestra (MPYO) and UiTM choir which performed a medley of popular patriotic songs such as Srikandi Cintaku, Perwira and Saya Anak Malaysia.

Haslina Usman touched the hearts of the public with her recital of Tanah Ai, a poem by her late father Allahyarham Dato' Dr Usman Awang

The performance was interspersed with poem recitals by Haslina Usman, daughter of Allahyarham Dato’ Dr Usman Awang, who recited her father’s Tanah Air poem. Popular singer Altimet also shared the stage to recite his poem, entitled bangkit. As the grand finale, Akademi Fantasia winner Stacy, One In A Million winner Suki, Astro Vaanavil Superstar champion Alinda and multiple Anugerah Industri Muzik recipient Aizat who performed the “Tanah Air” song.

The four talented young singers got the audience moving to the rhythm of the “Tanah Air” which was performed live, backed by MPYO at the end of the showcase. To view the Tanah Air music video or catch all the other Merdeka and Malaysia Day features, visit the official PETRONAS YouTube Channel