THE theme song for National Day 2024, titled 'Malaysia Madani Jiwa Merdeka', was created by Affan Mazlan and chosen by the Merdeka Song Production Committee chaired by the RTM's music director, Datuk Mokhzani Ismail.
Mokhzani said he had looked for a fresh, listener-friendly track that had the characteristics of a theme song that could be translated with an orchestral touch.
"I contacted Affan to produce the theme song after I was given the task and he did not take long to provide a demo for the National Day song.
"This is also the second year of collaborating with this young talent, who created last year's theme song, 'Tekad Perpaduan Penuhi Harapan', sung by Khai Bahar and Aina Abdul," said Mohkzani in a recent 'Berita Harian' report.
The fresh and energetic melody and rhythm of the pop rock-infused track was what Mohkzani was searching for.
"The composition based on four main chords worked well with orchestral music, as well as various ethnic and traditional musical instruments, such as the gendang, sitar, tabla and gamelan."
Mokhzani added that 'Malaysia Madani Jiwa Merdeka' was sung by 'Akademi Fantasia' 2016 champion Amir Masdi due to his vocal ability to carry the rousing song.
"Apart from that, I collaborated with the best recording engineers, Peter Chong and Afendi Purwonto.
"I also utilised the expertise of guitar player Sham Kamikaze, flute player Mohardiman and enhanced it with backing vocals from the Gemersik Chorus."
He added that the theme song was recorded in the new and sophisticated orchestra studio at Angkasapuri's Kota Media in Kuala Lumpur.