KUALA LUMPUR: The song Mulanya Di Sini, a hit in the late 1980s, catapulted the band Freedom to the pinnacle of Malaysia's music industry.
Created by composer Royston Sta Maria with lyrics by Syed Haron, the track became a defining anthem for the group, which included the late Norsehah Abu Bakar (vocals), Shuaib Shaari (vocals/drums), the late Abdul Ghani Karim (guitar), Mohd Nor Shahriman (bass), and Richard Gomis (keyboards).
The melody and lyrics resonated so deeply with listeners that the song remains a staple on Malaysian radio, a testament to its timeless appeal.
Mulanya Di Sini not only secured Freedom a spot in the finals of the 2nd Anugerah Juara Lagu (AJL) in 1987 but also solidified its place as one of the most memorable hits in the nation's musical history.
Reflecting on the song's legacy, Shuaib Shaari, 65, shared how it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fans.
"Whenever we performed at hotels, whether for Malaysians or international guests, Mulanya Di Sini and Babak Cinta Terakhir were always requested.
"We often performed three sets in a night, and audiences who arrived during different times would ask for the same songs.
"To please everyone, we ended up singing Mulanya Di Sini three times during a single performance," Shuaib told Berita Harian.
During their heyday, Freedom was in high demand. The band regularly performed at hotel lounges, pubs, and events across the country.
"We were hardly ever at home, especially on weekends. It was exciting to meet fans outside of Kuala Lumpur," Shuaib said.
At the time, Freedom earned RM1,000 per member for a single show—a significant amount then.
The financial rewards complemented the joy of performing, making the period one of the most memorable in Shuaib's life.
However, Freedom's success began to wane when the late Norsehah, affectionately known as Seha, decided to pursue a solo career.
Shuaib admitted that her departure marked the beginning of the end for the band.
"Seha was irreplaceable. Beyond her exceptional voice, she had a magnetic stage presence and impeccable fashion sense.
"She made sure to wear new outfits for every performance, a trait that endeared her to audiences," he said.
Freedom produced three albums during its run: Mulanya Di Sini, Kau Yang Memungkinnya, and Cinta Ciptaan Kita.
The popularity of Mulanya Di Sini extended beyond music; the melody was even used in a corporate TV advertisement, further cementing its iconic status.
Today, Shuaib reflects on the band's legacy with gratitude, even as he moves past personal challenges, including a health scare six years ago.
He recently attended a Yasin recitation ceremony where he and other veteran artistes, including Mak Jah and Zaiton Sameon, received support from the Saloma Kuala Lumpur Group.
"Looking back, Freedom's journey was short but impactful. Our music brought people together and created memories that still linger," he said.