‘King of Raya Songs’ S Atan loved music until the very end

Norizan Yeob with a vinyl record of her late husband’s ‘Instrumental Anda’ album, which he signed a month before passing away last October.

KAJANG: The title “King of Raya Songs” is more than fitting for composer S Atan, who passed away on Nov 16 last year at age 75.

Throughout his five decades in the industry, the maestro – real name Hashim Said – produced thousands of works, including over 50 evergreen songs that continue to be played every time Syawal comes around.

Among the compositions by the Singapore-born that remain widely beloved are “Balik Kampung”, “Dari Jauh Ku Pohon Maaf”, “Menjelang Hari Raya”, “Cahaya Aidilfitri”, “Salam Aidilfitri”, and “Hari Mulia”.

In fact, according to his widow, Norizan Yeob, before passing away, S Atan composed two new Raya songs, demonstrating his love for music until the very end.

One of the songs, titled “Bila Tahmid Bergema”, was recorded by veteran singer Khadijah Ibrahim, along with Soma, Noorshila Amin, Rozita Rohaizad and Putri Balqis, with lyrics written by Siso Kopratasa.

Norizan shared that just a week before his passing, her husband had also been contacted by a representative of popular singer Ernie Zakri, who requested he compose a Raya song in a joget style.

She, however, could not confirm whether the song had been recorded.

The Lifetime Achievement Award at the 36th Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian was S Atan’s final recognition for his contributions to the arts.

“I asked him if he was still taking on jobs. He said, ‘It’s okay, I can still compose that Raya song’ – meaning, right up until his last moments, he was composing music.

“Abang (S Atan) was always quick with music; when composing, the ideas would flow like a river,” she said.

Norizan was deeply touched by the recognition her husband received for his contributions to the arts – the final accolade being the Lifetime Achievement Award he received at the 36th Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian in October.

She is also proud of the title fans have bestowed upon him: the King of Raya Songs.

Joyful homecoming

Hashim Said, aka S Atan.

Sharing the story behind the creation of “Balik Kampung” in 1984, she explained that her husband had been inspired after experiencing the joy of returning to his hometown.

“When he met the late Sudirman, who wrote the lyrics, the song came together quickly. Everyone loved it. The ‘balik kampung’ vibe, whether for Raya or any other celebration, is certainly there.”

Every time his Raya songs played, S Atan would joke with their children about the royalty fees he’d receive.

“He’d smile and say, ‘Ah, now there’s Raya money’,” Norizan recalled fondly, adding: “Although the royalty payments weren’t actually that much.”

Norizan with Norhafieza (right) and Norhanina, the children from her marriage to S Atan.

Despite his stern appearance, she said her husband had been very generous and never hesitated to share his musical knowledge.

“Even when he was ill, if someone asked about music, he’d get up and go to the piano to demonstrate … if they didn’t understand, he would repeat it until the student truly understood.”

In fact, while teaching at a music college, he would offer free extra lessons to students who couldn’t afford them!

Norizan further shared how her husband often attended charity events organised by artistes’ associations, even when he was unwell.

“During a fundraising event in Sabah last October, he wanted to go and was even willing to find a portable oxygen tank. Such was his spirit to help those in need,” she concluded. - FMT