Uncovering the origins of the Hari Raya songbook

A poster spread from 'Majallah Filem' (magazine) in February 1965, featuring the Shaw Brother's film stars of the day. In the 1960s, some Hari Raya songs were popularised through Malay movies. Photo: Penang House of Music

Nearly a century after one of the earliest known "lagu Raya" recordings, Malaysians have enjoyed a joyful multitude of Hari Raya songs, in all kinds of music genres. How and when did this festive song tradition take root? And who tops the charts?

It’s become a conditioned reflex – radio and TV stations and shopping malls playing the songs of the season.