Malaysians are going through a proud moment as King Charles III revealed the King’s Music Room programme on Apple Music during the Commonwealth Day celebrations. The one-off show included songs from international artists like Bob Marley, Beyoncé, and Davido.
Suffice it to say this was not anticipated on the positive-Ws bingo card for 2025. Malaysian Netizens and artists were overjoyed by the news as it was discovered that, out of 56 Commonwealth countries, only 17 songs made it to the playlist, and one of them happens to be a local song by our very own Biduanita Negara.
Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza’s song “Anta Permana”, the first single from her 19th studio album, “ManifestSITI2020”, released in 2018, is listed as the only Malaysian song on King Charles III’s playlist. His Majesty introduced the song, produced by Hael Husaini and Ezra Kong, describing it as a track that “tells a story about love that is stronger than time.”
Naturally, the artiste herself was ecstatic about the news, as she stated in a radio interview posted on her Instagram: “Music transcends culture, race, and language. I never expected ‘Anta Permana’ to be chosen, and at the same time, for King Charles III to know that the song is about love.” She also commemorated her song’s inclusion in her Instagram Stories.
The song’s producer and composer, Hael Husaini, was also just as flabbergasted, writing on Instagram: “I never imagined that one of my compositions with @ezrakong, would be chosen as one of His Majesty King Charles III’s playlist songs. Alhamdulillah, [proud to be Malaysian]”. On Instagram, praise and appreciation ensued. User @/i.am.khairul.anwar congratulated Hael and Ezra for producing a “valuable and exclusive” world-class piece that was appreciated by international listeners. Meanwhile, @Md.ikmns commented on the “royal vibe” that “Anta Permana” has a melody and lyrics exude.
To celebrate Malaysia’s latest achievement, let us enjoy the “Anta Permana” sung by Malaysia’s no. 1 singer now:
Sources: Bernama, The Star, Hael Husaini
Gan contributed to this article.
