THE 1990s were the boom time of the nasyid genre in Malaysia which saw the mushrooming of various local groups that provided spiritual solace and nourishment via mellifluous vocal harmonies and devotional lyrics.
Here are five of those groups that entertained music fans with soul-nourishing tunes.
RAIHAN
Arguably the most prominent nasyid group in Malaysia, Raihan began with five members in 1996.
Kicking off the nasyid boom, they paved the way for many other similar acts and provided a fresh sound to spiritual music that contemporary fans could enjoy.
The group has released close to 20 albums, including an OST to the film Syukur 21 in 2000 in which the members also starred in.
Raihan has collaborated with various local and international artistes such as British singer-songwriter Yusof Islam.
The multiple award-winning group has also toured and performed in multiple venues around the world including the Royal Albert Hall in England.
Some of their famous songs include Puji-Pujian, Iman Mutiara, Bismillah, Sesungguhnya and Syukur.
NOWSEEHEART
NowSeeHeart was initially a 6-member group led by Azahari Abd Rahman which formed in 1996.
The male group released four studio albums beginning with Wahyu Pertama in 1998.
Some of its songs include Damai, Hijrah, Wahyu Pertama, Selawat Atasmu and Damai Yang Hilang.
RABBANI
Originally starting off as a 13-member group led by the late Mohammed Asri Ibrahim, Rabbani made its debut in 1997.
The all-male act's self-titled debut album was a hit and the group would later release a dozen more studio albums.
Rabbani is known for its progressive approach to music which included modern elements in its songs.
Some of its popular songs include Assalamualaikum, Munajat and Solla Alaikallah.
SOLEHAH
One of the few prominent female nasyid groups in Malaysia, Solehah made its debut in 1997.
Beginning as a quartet, the group has gone through many line-up changes that included seven other singers.
Solehah released four studio albums beginning with 25 Nabi in 1997 and ending with Inti (2005).
Some of its songs include Anak Solehah, Tiada Tuhan Selain Allah, Puji Dan Syukur, Anank Taqwa and Islam Agamaku.
HIJJAZ
The nasyid quartet known as Hijjaz was established in 1997.
Its debut studio album was Cahaya Ilahi (1997). Since then, Hijjaz has released 16 other albums.
The group is also known to have nurtured other popular nasyid acts, such as Inteam, UNIC, Ae-man and Mestica, through its Hijjaz Music Entertainment company.
Some of its songs include Rasulullah, Sumayyah, Sunnah Orang Berjuang, Dia Kekasih Allah and Berkorban Demi Cinta.