KUALA LUMPUR: Popular reggae singer C. Sasitharan or Sasi The Don first found fame singing a Tamil song titled Anbe (My Love) 20 years ago.
In conjunction with International Happiness Day which falls on Friday, the 42-year-old singer-songwriter is re-releasing Anbe as an anthem to uplift Malaysians' spirits during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Anbe is my trademark song. It may have been recorded two decades ago but it is evergreen. It holds a special place in my heart because it started my music career and opened many doors for me," he said.
Sasi added: "This year, with many feeling the pain of the Covid-19 pandemic, I've decided to lift their spirits by revisiting a blast from the past.
"Anbe can take listeners back in time, to their first jobs, first relationships, first celebrations and other memorable milestones of life."
Sasi said that it was the right time for fans to reflect on their past in the "new normal".
"We are finally emerging from the pandemic, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Anbe makes us appreciate everything we have," he said.
"We all remember those nostalgic moments when we first experienced the song."
Sasi said that Anbe embraced the rich cultural heritage of Malaysia, as it contained musical influences from all major communities.
The song, which comes with an animated music video, is executive-produced by Sasi and released by his label TuffNLoud Worldwide.
Its music producer is Deyo Deluxshion and the featured vocalists are Derenha Nalinie, Sharen Claire and Yunohoo.
Anbe's video will be screened live on Sasi's website www.sasithedon.com at 9.30pm on Friday.
Sasi's most recent singles, Daddy Don and Humpty Dumpty were released in 2019.
Anbe is part of Sasi's new, 12-track album My Second Wave which will be released soon.
Sasi is also in the running for Best International Act in the Caribbean Afro Music Awards which will be held in London, the United Kingdom in September.
He is the only artiste from Southeast Asia to be nominated for the awards.