Patriotic songs and unity: Ella, Faizal Tahir and SonaOne on music’s power to unite us

EVERY year as Merdeka month rolls around, you can not escape the sound of patriotic songs playing everywhere, from supermarkets and restaurants to radios and school assemblies.

These songs do more than just fill the air as they bring back memories of the struggles our ancestors went through to protect our country, giving us the freedom we enjoy today. In Malaysia, music is not just about art, it carries the stories and emotions of our past in every beat and melody.

For the older generation, classics like Warisan, Tanggal 31 by Sudirman Haji Arshad, and Jalur Gemilang by Pak Ngah still hold a powerful emotional pull. Meanwhile, the younger generation connects with songs like Standing In The Eyes Of The World by Ella, Negaraku by Joe Flizzow, Altimet, SonaOne and Faizal Tahir, and Malaysia by Faizal Tahir.

These melodies are not just traditions, they’re expressions of gratitude and unity, reminding us all that music is the true pulse of our shared pride and identity.

Can music still unite us?

The idea that music can bring people together is not new for obvious reasons. Legendary Malaysian singer Nor Zila Aminuddin, better known as Ella remains a firm believer in its unifying power.

According to her, music transcends age, race, and religion.

"Any song has the power to unite people, especially when it reflects real-life situations or emotions that others can relate to.

"The same goes for patriotic songs, they play an important role in teaching the meaning of unity, togetherness, and love for the country,” she said when contacted recently.

Ella, a veteran in the Malaysian music scene, said that performing patriotic songs often evokes deep emotion and a sense of empowerment.

"I try to channel those emotions into every performance, and it’s even more powerful when the lyrics themselves are heartfelt. That’s why Gemilang holds such a personal meaning for me, I wrote the lyrics myself,” she added.

To her, patriotism doesn’t only come alive during Merdeka or Malaysia Day.

She believes that any song promoting unity, mutual respect, and shared values can carry a patriotic message.

As she pointed out, Standing in the Eyes of the World may not sound like a traditional national anthem, but its message of perseverance deeply resonated with many, particularly during difficult times for the nation.

Music as a messenger

What Ella expressed, the emotional depth of music and its ability to bring people together, was echoed by rapper, producer, and artist Mikael Adam Muhammad Rafee Michel Lozac’h, better known as SonaOne.

He believes music has always been one of the most powerful ways to unite people through a shared emotion or cause.

“Music can connect people, not just within a country like ours, which already has such rich cultural and ethnic diversity, but also across the world.

“There are countless examples of songs, both Malaysian and international, that have brought people together, from Michael Jackson’s We Are the World to Ella’s Standing in the Eyes of the World. These are songs that unite people under a common cause, and it all happens through the power of music,” he told Sinar Daily.

Singer-songwriter Faizal Tahir agreed, saying that music’s universal appeal still plays a crucial role in building unity.

“Music has often played a big part in uniting people for a certain reason. A certain message is easier spread through music because of all the channels that are available today,” he said.

However, Faizal also highlighted that it takes more than talent to create music with such depth, it demands empathy, intention, and experience.

“But that doesn’t mean it is easy. You have to really have a good amount of knowledge and experience to tackle such themes. Music needs to be used more as a tool or medium to promote such topics,” he added.

When audiences sing a patriotic song together, he said, the message no longer belongs to the artist, it becomes a collective voice.

He shared that his personal go-to Merdeka track is Malaysia, a song he penned himself.

Despite their different musical styles and backgrounds, Ella, SonaOne, and Faizal share one truth: patriotic songs aren’t just nostalgic odes to the past. They are tools to help shape the future, inspire resilience, and remind Malaysians of their shared values and purpose.

Do patriotic songs still matter?

In today’s fast-paced world of viral content and short attention spans, some question whether patriotic music still resonates.

Ella thinks it does. She acknowledges that many modern songs are built for virality, but believes patriotic tunes still hold a place in Malaysian hearts. The key? Simplicity and sincerity.

“A good patriotic song has a melody and lyrics that truly move people. God willing, these songs will stay relevant and timeless,” she added.

Refreshing old anthems with modern sounds, or creating new ones that speak to today’s youth, may be the way forward, as long as the message stays heartfelt.

SonaOne sees opportunities in short-form content and social media.

“There’s never a shortage of creative ways for people to bring others together,” he said.

“In fact, we’re living in a time where patriotism through music could take on new forms, perhaps more creative than we've ever seen before,” he said.

He’s excited to see how this year’s Merdeka season might reflect that.

Faizal added that platforms like TikTok and streaming services make it easier for patriotic songs to go viral and be remixed, shared, and discovered by new listeners.

“This is just proof that music is powerful, with the right words and right melody, and should be used in the right way, and there is a saying: when words fail, music speaks,” he added.

A nation in harmony

In a world where identity politics and cultural division often dominate, some artists believe that music still holds the power to bring Malaysians back to a shared national identity.

For them, music isn’t just expression, it’s a platform for inclusion, unity, and belonging.

For SonaOne, connection has always been at the heart of his music. If there’s one patriotic message he hopes to continue sharing, it’s this: Malaysians are, first and foremost, Malaysians.

"In the eyes of the world, I still believe we are Malaysians first, before being Orang Asli, Malay, Chinese, Kadazandusun, Indian, or anything else," he said.

While acknowledging the importance of cultural identity and heritage, Sona emphasised that these shouldn’t come at the cost of unity.

If his music can continue to serve as a reminder of this belief, he said, he will carry that mission throughout his career.

Reflecting on Malaysia’s progress, he added that despite facing criticism and setbacks, the country continues to be admired for its resilience and ability to evolve.

“From here on out, the only way is up. Malaysia will forever be in my heart,” he said.

His perspective is a timely reminder that music, when grounded in authenticity, can foster pride, hope, and connection, especially in a nation as culturally rich as Malaysia.

A song for every voice

Ella echoed this sentiment, saying that if she were ever given the chance to write or perform another patriotic song, she would want it to reflect the reality of today’s Malaysia, one where every citizen, young or old, man or woman, plays a role in shaping the country’s future.

"Imagine if our country were truly inclusive and open… where all women are given the space to speak up and actively take part in building the nation and society. Our country would surely become fairer, more harmonious, and more balanced," she said.

For Ella, true progress means recognising the often-overlooked contributions of women, who quietly yet significantly drive change behind the scenes.

Citing a well-known Malay proverb, she added, “Tangan yang menghayun buaian, mampu menggoncang dunia.”

To her, a truly gemilang Malaysia is one where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered.

The rhythm that connects us

These artists’ reflections reveal a deeper truth: music doesn’t just reflect who we are, it helps shape who we can become.

Can music still bring us together? It already does.

In a country as beautifully diverse as Malaysia, music remains one of the few universal languages, crossing borders, bridging divides, and reminding us of what we share.