Ever been asked by a non-Muslim friend or colleague, “So… how are you celebrating Hari Raya?” That simple curiosity became the spark for a festive tune. Diana Danielle and Francis Roman turn it into their brand new single, “Raya Macam Mana?”
“Raya Macam Mana?” is a cross-cultural song that infuses modern sound with the cultural warmth and spirit of Raya. It’s a track that doesn’t just tell you about Hari Raya traditions, but walks you through them like a friend explaining things over kuih at an open house. We recently spoke to Diana Danielle and Francis Roman about their interesting collaboration. Here are 5 fun facts we learn about “Raya Macam Mana?”:
1. The Song Almost Didn’t Happen—Because Francis Was Planning a CNY Track
“Raya Macam Mana?” started as something completely different. Francis Roman initially planned to release a Chinese New Year song, but time constraints forced a pivot. Instead of rushing to release something half-baked, the Malaysian rapper and his team wondered: What if they took that same energy, that same curiosity about cultural celebrations, and pointed it toward Raya instead?
Meanwhile, Diana Danielle had been offered several other Raya collaborations. Then she heard Francis’ pitch. Not just the song idea but the vision and their strategy. The way he saw “Raya Macam Mana?” as more than a festive single, but as an actual conversation starter between cultures. She listened. She considered. And then she made her choice: she would clear her plate and focus solely on this one. Sometimes the best songs come from unexpected detours.
2. Francis Co-Choreographed the Dance Moves
The music video isn’t just about looking festive, it’s about moving festively. Francis Roman didn’t just deliver rap verses; he also co-choreographed the light-hearted dance moves that bring the video to life. Alongside colourful Raya decorations and joyful reunions, those dance sequences add an extra layer of energy that makes you want to get up and join in. Now cue the new TikTok trend.
3. Diana Sings in Mandarin for the First Time
Most Raya songs stick to Malay lyrics, but “Raya Macam Mana?” takes a different approach. The track weaves in Mandarin lyrics, “Eh当然要happy brother, 这样子才叫做beraya, 马来西亚不分种族大家来庆祝bersama” (Of course we have to be happy, brother. That’s what celebrating Raya is all about. In Malaysia, we don’t let race divide us—we celebrate together.)
“I sing in Chinese and it’s not easy when it comes to assimilating to a foreign language. I’ve been learning Mandarin for the past 3 years but I still feel like I’m at the beginner’s level. It’s certainly a new challenge for me. Nevertheless, I’m humbled by this experience. I can now sing my Mandarin verses live with more confidence,” Diana told us.
“I wanted to include Mandarin lyrics in the song to create that harmony feel when you listen to it. As a half-Chinese, it was important to highlight that cross-cultural experience where Malaysians switch languages back-and-forth comfortably,” Francis added.
4. Behati Sponsored All the Vibrant Outfits in the MV
Behind every great music video is great styling—and in this case, great sponsorship. Local fashion brand Behati provided all the vibrant outfits seen throughout the “Raya Macam Mana?” music video. From traditional baju Raya to modern festive wear, the wardrobe choices reflect the song’s theme of celebrating diversity while staying connected to cultural roots.
5. Iconic KL Landmarks Steal the Show
The music video doubles as a love letter to Kuala Lumpur’s skyline. Several scenes were filmed at iconic locations, including Brickfields, Pasar Seni, Lalaport, Stadium Merdeka, and the newly renovated Sultan Abdul Samad building. When asked about their favourite location to shoot, Diana answered Lalaport without hesitation. “I really enjoyed the breathtaking night sequence at the Lalaport rooftop. You could see the TRX building glowing against the dark sky. It was so beautiful.”
Watch the music video here:
