You can feel it in the air this Hari Raya season. The readiness to dance and celebrate this festive season. JessC and Dato’ AC Mizal have teamed up to release their energetic pop single “Mari Menari Raya”. This upbeat song marks JessC’s bold entry into rap while celebrating Malaysia’s multicultural spirit.
“Mari Menari Raya” is a perfect blend of Hip-Hop Rap with contemporary pop music, adding a unique spin to the traditional Hari Raya song genre. JessC delivers the melodic lead vocals while Dato’ AC Mizal contributes energetic rap verses. Together, this unlikely duo create a dynamic performance that fills the song with a refreshing rhythm and vibrant energy.
“The rhythm of this song is very powerful, and the inclusion of rap elements makes it a completely new experience for me,” said the US-Asia Healing Pop Queen. “I hope that during Hari Raya, everyone can sing together, dance together, and celebrate the joy of the festive season through this song.”
So why Dato’ AC Mizal of all people? Even the veteran TV host himself was curious. “I asked her, ‘There are so many other artistes. Why do you want me?,'” AC Mizal recalled. Her answer surprised him. JessC explained that she wanted to work with someone deeply rooted in Malay culture who could help her bring authenticity to her second Raya musical offering.
“What touched me was her sincerity as a non-Malay artiste wanting to produce a Hari Raya song,” AC Mizal said. “In my more than 30 years in the entertainment industry, this is one of the most professional and outstanding teams I have ever seen,” he added, praising JessC and her production team.
Despite their packed schedules, the team completed recording and the visuals in just three intensive days and nights. The music video captures moments that feel instantly familiar to any Malaysian: festive lights glowing in the night, the hush of Takbir, the chaos of Rumah Terbuka gatherings, hands reaching for lemang, families tumbling through doorways for reunion photos. One scene features JessC lying on a bed of rice that later transforms into a visual of nasi lemak, Malaysia’s beloved coconut milk rice dish.
This isn’t a one-off collaboration though. JessC is already making plans for her year-end concert. Here’s a tease: she has extended an invitation to Dato’ AC Mizal to appear as a special guest onstage. Fans will get to witness their musical chemistry live. “Even though it was our first collaboration, we had great chemistry, and that really brought an extra spark to the song,” the songstress was quoted as saying.
There’s a line in the song that stands out, “Tak kira siapa, tak kira bangsa, bila Raya kita satu warna.” (No matter who we are, no matter our race, during Raya we share one color). “Mari Menari Raya” is more than just a festive song — it is an invitation to dance and celebrate joy, unity and togetherness.
