Another chapter begins for Malaysia’s beloved music icon and national songstress, Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin, as she simultaneously celebrates her 30-year legacy and releases her latest traditional album, titled ‘Gema Bumantara’.
When Siti Nurhaliza emerged in the mid-1990s, few could have predicted that her voice would become one of the defining sounds of modern Malay music.
From the soulful charm of ‘Cindai’ to the elegance of ‘Sanggar Mustika’ and ‘Lentera Timur’, Siti’s traditional albums have become cultural treasures, bridging the past and present with remarkable grace.
Now ‘Gema Bumantara’, loosely translated as “the echo of the archipelago”, symbolises the enduring resonance of the Malay spirit through song.
The album, Siti explains, is her tribute to heritage and her mission to ensure that traditional sounds continue to find their place in the hearts of younger generations.
“Traditional music will always hold a special place in my heart,” she said at the album’s launch in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur recently.
“It is not just an album, but a gift for all lovers of traditional music, a way to keep the beauty of Malay rhythm alive for the world to hear. It’s part of my responsibility as an artiste.”
Supported by the Communications Ministry through MyCreative Ventures’ Dana Kebolehpasaran Domestik 2.0 initiative, the album is a collaboration of immense cultural value — affirming that art rooted in tradition can still thrive in today’s fast-paced music industry.
A SYMPHONY OF COLLABORATION
True to her reputation for excellence, ‘Gema Bumantara’ brings together some of Malaysia’s and the region’s finest composers and lyricists, both well-established and fresh talents.
Among them are Aubrey Suwito, Datuk Habsah Hassan, Usop (of Kopratasa fame), Hafiz Hamidun, Firdaus Rahmat, Iqie Hugh, Omar K, Aiman Sidek, Wan Saleh, Affan Mazlan and Danish Norr, as well as contributions from Aisha Retno, RADi, Melly Goeslaw, and Siti herself.
The album features 10 tracks that weave classic instrumentation with modern sensibilities.
They are ‘Kumbang Bunga’ (a duet with Indonesian singer Lesti), ‘Hati Yang Rindu’, ‘Rencong’, ‘Pesanan Buat Diri’, and ‘Kaca dan Permata’ (featuring her young niece Umairah), ‘Syurgaloka’, ‘Hujung Bumi’, ‘Kesuma’, ‘Jenjang Cinta’, and ‘Cenderamaya’.
Each song reflects a different hue of the Malay emotional spectrum — romance, longing, resilience and hope — captured through poetic lyrics and masterful composition.
The meticulous production took nearly a year, involving careful song selection, musical arrangement and vocal recording, handled jointly by SN Legacy Sdn Bhd, Siti Nurhaliza Productions (M) Sdn Bhd and Universal Music Sdn Bhd.
The digital version was released on Oct 28, while the physical edition is set to debut in January, coinciding with Siti’s most ambitious live performance yet — the Legacy 30 Concert.
CONCERT FOR THE AGES
The concert, scheduled for Jan 10 at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, has already made headlines.
It will celebrate her journey from small-town talent to becoming a “national treasure”.
Response from fans has been overwhelming, with more than 96 per cent of 60,000 tickets sold in under a month, leaving fewer than 2,000 available (at the time of the album launch).
“I honestly didn’t expect such an incredible response,” Siti says, visibly moved.
“I was nervous at first, as this is a massive venue. But Alhamdulillah, the support has been extraordinary. It’s truly a symbol of love from my fans who’ve stood by me all these years.”
The concert, she reveals, will feature more than 25 songs over three hours, complete with new arrangements and fresh visuals to reimagine her greatest hits.
Rehearsals will begin soon, and Siti promises a show that balances nostalgia with innovation, a full-circle celebration of her artistry.
“This concert involves a big investment because of the scale and the venue,” she says.
“But I’m managing it carefully. What matters most is that my audience leaves satisfied, and that the sound and experience are of the highest quality.”
FAITH, ART AND LEGACY
Beyond her remarkable voice and stage presence, what continues to endear Siti to millions is her sincerity.
She remains grounded — balancing her life as a performer, entrepreneur, mother and philanthropist with remarkable poise.
Her devotion to preserving Malay identity through music is not just nostalgia, it’s also stewardship.
With ‘Gema Bumantara’, she rekindles the artistry that first won her acclaim while mentoring a new generation to cherish the same values.
And with the Legacy 30 Concert, she reaffirms her place as Malaysia’s eternal songbird.
“My journey has been long, but it’s still filled with gratitude,” she reflects.
“I want to keep creating, to keep inspiring, and to remind everyone that our roots, our traditions, will always be a source of strength.”
As the countdown to her monumental concert continues, and ‘Gema Bumantara’ plays across digital platforms, one thing is clear: Siti Nurhaliza’s voice is more than melody, but also a memory to many.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
