One of Nabila Razali’s all-time favourite Raya songs is Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza’s Sesuci Lebaran.
“It’s a song I play every Hari Raya,” says the 33-year-old.
A more recent festive track she has come to love is De Fam’s Alamak Raya Lagi.
“I enjoy all Hari Raya songs. I listen to both the old and the new ones. I just click on my Raya playlist on a digital platform and sing along to every song.”
This year, Nabila has added her own contribution to that playlist with the release of Tak Sabar Nak Raya, featuring Nabil Ahmad. The track follows her 2024 Raya release, Raya Mana.
Tak Sabar Nak Raya is a catchy, upbeat number that Nabila says reflects her bright and cheerful personality.
“At the same time, she hopes the song will resonate with her younger audience, who make up a large portion of her fanbase.
“I just like happy songs, you know, to entertain everyone out there and create that Raya vibe,” she says.
“I want Tak Sabar Nak Raya to get kids and young people excited about the special day.
“I hope it brings back that spirit of togetherness we used to feel when celebrating Raya as children.”
Nabila notes that Hari Raya celebrations feel different today, with some people more focused on their phones at gatherings or heading to the mall rather than spending time with family.
“Hopefully my Raya song reminds people that Raya can be fun – meeting relatives and enjoying good food together. It shouldn’t feel like just another holiday. After all, we are celebrating victory after fasting for a whole month.”
In the past three years, the singer-actress has entered a new phase in her life.
She married Nik Iruwan Nik Izani in 2023 and is now mother to their 15-month-old son, Nik Muhammad.
Like the lyrics in Tak Sabar Nak Raya, where she sings about matching Raya outfits, Nabila is responsible for coordinating the family’s festive wardrobe.
“I have to think about what colour will suit my husband, me and my son – and whether he already has that colour in his closet,” she says.
“If there’s a colour I like but my husband doesn’t, then I have to find a middle ground. But usually, the two of them have to listen to me.
“The important thing is that I look beautiful on Hari Raya,” she says with a laugh.
This year, Nabila will balik kampung to her husband’s hometown in Kelantan for the celebration.
The Petaling Jaya-born singer had to postpone the trip last year as her son was still young and she felt overwhelmed about making the long journey just a few months after giving birth.
“It’s time for my son to meet his uncles, aunties and everyone else.”
For Nabila, one of the joys of Raya is the surprising family connections she often discovers during the celebrations.
“After getting married, of course there are many people from the extended family that you haven’t met yet.
“Sometimes I only realise later that someone is actually related to us – maybe a distant relative, or someone connected through my husband’s friends or neighbours.
“It really makes you realise how small the world is. That’s something I always look forward to every Raya.
“Sometimes we even meet again in the industry and realise, ‘Oh, we’re actually related.’
“It may be distant, but there’s still a family connection.”
