#Showbiz: US-based singer Amirah returns with Msia Day song of unity & healing

KUALA LUMPUR: United States-based singer-songwriter Amirah Ali of Katakanlah fame, is back with yet another heartfelt, patriotic song.

Titled You Are My Land, the song was recently released in conjunction with the upcoming Malaysia Day.

Describing it as a poignant call for Malaysians to preserve national unity, and for leaders to "put the Rakyat first", she said: "You Are My Land is a unifying and moving anthem which speaks to all Malaysians."

Amirah also said that she wrote the song in 2018, amidst the change of government from Barisan Nasional to Pakatan Harapan and when it was completed, a second change of government from Pakatan Harapan to Perikatan Nasional had occurred.

"The country has been through some political turbulence over the last few years, and my song echoes the pain of the rakyat who want an end to abuse of power and politicking. We want leaders to focus on problems facing the people," she said.

When she wrote the song, she thought about her loved ones back home and how deeply she missed them after she went to the US to pursue her calling in music.

"I may be far away from home, but I always miss Malaysia. My longing for the country's unity and well-being resonates in this song's aching melody."

You Are My Land's sound is a fusion of Western and Eastern music, and the acclaimed Hands Percussion Team of drummers helped provide the background music.

"You Are My Land is a humble song, but one which contains the strength and power of an entire nation," she said.

Amirah, who is currently recording her debut album with Grammy-winning producer Jeff Bova, became a household name in 2011 with her heartfelt song Katakanlah, an appeal for national unity, in the wake of the desecration of some churches in the Klang Valley.

Katakanlah won second prize at the US' International Songwriting Competition 2011, beating 15,000 other entries. It was judged by renowned artistes Peter Gabriel, Rihanna and Timbaland among others.

Katakanlah and another of her songs Sailing The Sahara (2013) were nominated for Best Song in Anugerah Industri Muzik 2013.

Amirah recently formed her own production company the Amirah Group to promote unity through music and film.

Under her Amirah360 brand, she has a collection of projects in the pipeline including a behind-the-scenes YouTube series documenting the thrills and challenges of being a musician in the US.

You Are My Land is available on all major music platforms including Spotify, SoundCloud and Apple Music.