By Nurhafizah Tan
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- After nearly three decades of captivating listeners with soul-nourishing nasyid songs, Hijjaz has finally fulfilled fans’ long-held wish to see the legendary group headline a solo concert, performing alongside the National Symphony Orchestra at Istana Budaya here.
Through ‘Hijjaz 3 Dekad: Rindu Sumayyah’, the group, renowned for timeless hits such as ‘Sumayyah’ and ‘Fatamorgana’, not only took fans on a nostalgic journey but also revisited a musical legacy that has helped shape Malaysia’s nasyid scene since 1997.
The overwhelming response to the two-day concert, which opened last night, reaffirmed Hijjaz’s enduring appeal, with tickets reportedly sold out as fans seized the opportunity to see their favourite group perform live.
Opening the show with ‘Asmaul Husna’, Hijjaz then took the audience through its musical journey via a montage before performing iconic songs such as ‘Bismillah’ and ‘Zapin Kesyukuran’.
The group’s vocal strength from the outset demonstrated that three decades in the industry had done little to diminish its appeal.
Sporting their signature yellow-and-black triangular geometric-patterned kopiah (skullcap), which has been part of their identity since 1997, Hijjaz, comprising Munif Ahmad, Isman Nadim Isam, Mohd Faizal Osmal and Muhammad Ariffin Ahmad Rahim, continued the performance with popular songs such as ‘Dia Kekasih Allah’, ‘Rasulullah’ and ‘Pelita Hidup’.
The atmosphere grew more lively when ‘Fatamorgana’ rang out. The song, which cautions listeners against being deceived by the allure of worldly pleasures, prompted the audience to sing along, filling the concert hall with the voices of fans who knew every line by heart.
The mood then shifted to one of solemn reflection when Hijjaz performed ‘Kau Sahabat Kau Teman’, a song particularly close to the members’ hearts as it was written in memory of their former bandmate, Mohd Salleh Ramli, who passed away in February 2001.
Composed in the same year and included in the album ‘Pelita Hidup II’ before being given a new rendition in 2021, the song expresses their grief and pays tribute to a bond of friendship that has stayed strong despite the separation brought by death.
Hijjaz then went on to lift the mood with ‘Mesra Desa’ before introducing its latest single, ‘Akhir Bersamamu’. The song blends the group’s signature nasyid sound with contemporary pop influences in an effort to connect with younger audiences.
The track also features a fresher musical arrangement, including the use of trumpets to give it a distinctive touch, alongside musical influences from Bruno Mars.
The concert was further enlivened by appearances from groups and singers who have helped shape Malaysia’s nasyid scene, including Aeman, Mestica, UNIC and In-Team, as well as the introduction of a new generation of performers through Hijjaz Junior, comprising the group members’ children.
Although their appearances were brief, they drew enthusiastic cheers and stirred fond memories among fans with popular songs such as Aeman’s ‘Buatmu Ibu’, Mestica’s ‘Puteriku Sayang’, UNIC’s ‘Ainul Mardhiah’ and In-Team’s ‘Kasih Kekasih’, all of which had the audience singing along.
The highlight of the night was undoubtedly Hijjaz’s performance of ‘Sumayyah’, the song that propelled the group to prominence in Malaysia’s music industry, bringing the concert to a fitting close.
Three decades in the music industry is no small feat. Yet the concert served as a testament to Hijjaz’s enduring appeal.
-- BERNAMA