#SHOWBIZ: Four decades of 'Mulanya Di Sini'

A SONG can capture a single moment in time for many musicians. For singer-composer Royston Sta Maria, the track he wrote for the group Freedom, 'Mulanya Di Sini', became something far more enduring.

The composition has travelled across generations, been performed by countless musicians and four decades after it was first penned, continues to find its place in popular culture.

The journey of 'Mulanya Di Sini' began long before it became a familiar favourite.

Roy, now 74, wrote his first song while with the group Discovery, and went on to compose during his years as part of a singing duo with Datuk Francissca Peter.

He contributed two songs to the duo's first album and another two to their second before they went their separate ways in 1984.

Rather than stopping there, he focused increasingly on songwriting for his two solo albums and began entering his compositions into national and regional competitions, including RTM Pesta Lagu, the Golden Kite Song Festival, Write a Song for Kuala Lumpur and the World Peace Song Festival.

Although he achieved some success in those contests, Roy remained unsatisfied.

What he really wanted was to craft a track that would become a major hit — and, more importantly, stand the test of time.

Then came the tune that would eventually become 'Mulanya Di Sini'.

"I had this tune in my head and kept working on it. It took days. Maybe even a few weeks," he tells NST's Groove.

He kept refining the composition, shifting chords and tweaking lines until he was confident he had created something he could truly be proud of.

Once the melody was ready, he approached lyricist Syed Haron and explained his vision, particularly for the chorus.

The result was a song with a catchy refrain that would become one of its hallmarks.

At the time, Roy was playing the piano during happy hour at the PJ Hilton from 4pm to 7pm. When his set ended, another band would take to the stage: Freedom.

Having become friendly with the musicians, he asked whether they would be interested in recording his new composition. They agreed, and the band recorded a demo that was subsequently submitted to EMI.

40 YEARS AND COUNTING

The breakthrough came when the song was chosen to represent Malaysia at the third Asean Song Festival in 1986, where it took second place. Freedom later released the track alongside their debut album in 1987.

Four decades later, the song has featured in 12 commercials, most recently in a Touch 'n Go campaign which the composer considers another milestone for what he jokingly calls his "lucky song".

Its longevity is equally clear online, where musicians and singers regularly post their own renditions.

The track has graced weddings, television broadcasts, university events and busking sessions alike.

Established acts have also covered it, including Rima Melati and Marcell Siahaan, who released a version on Valentine's Day.

"What makes this song so special to me is that after 40 years, it's still widely popular. On YouTube, there are so many videos of people and musicians performing it."

More than the tally of recordings or commercial placements, he treasures the reaction the song continues to stir in live crowds.

"It brings a lot of joy to the audience whenever it's performed, and it's wonderful to see everyone join in."

REFRESHING A TIMELESS LEGACY

That enduring connection inspired his decision to revisit the track for a new generation as part of an upcoming compilation album featuring his compositions — some recorded by himself and others, like 'Mulanya Di Sini', by fellow artistes.

Initially, Roy wanted to give the classic a contemporary arrangement with younger singers to offer it a new lease of life.

But he and his collaborators eventually agreed that nostalgia was integral to the song's identity.

Rather than replacing the vocalists, they chose to retain the original voices of Freedom's Shuib and the late Seha.

"Using modern technology, the original vocals were extracted and woven into a refreshed production. The arrangement was updated, but carefully restrained so listeners would still instantly recognise the song that has accompanied them for decades."

The new version forms part of a larger personal venture: a 12-track album showcasing his original compositions.

"It's a way of documenting my lifetime of work in music and leaving behind a legacy."

The collection will be released on CD and USB, with plans to make it available across digital streaming platforms as well.

Some tracks feature Roy as a solo vocalist, while others showcase guest collaborations.

Fauziah Latiff joins him on the duets 'Tanpa Noktah' and 'Suka Suka', while another duet features Veronica Nonis.

Freedom performs on 'Mulanya Di Sini' and 'Babak Cinta Terakhir', with various guest artistes performing the remaining tracks.

The album is not simply a reissue of old recordings; it is a snapshot of a musical life shaped by bands, songwriting, competitions, live gigs and collaborations, alongside a steady resolve to keep creating as the industry transforms around him.

KEEPING LIVE MUSIC ALIVE

For Roy, that transformation is especially noticeable in the live music scene.

"Back then, there were always bands playing in hotels. You'd hear live music in the lobby, or even in coffeehouses. Nowadays, the piano often sits in a corner purely as decoration."

Today, he observes, live bands are mostly restricted to pubs, with many venues opting for smaller two- or three-piece set-ups

This shifting landscape has made it increasingly challenging for musicians, especially veterans, to earn a steady living.

It's why he considers Musicians for Malaysia (MfM) benefit concert on Oct 10 so vital. He is set to travel from Perth to join the line-up.

Beyond celebrating veteran talent, the event aims to raise funds and create fresh opportunities for performers impacted by the decline of traditional live music venues.

"Continuing to perform is about more than nostalgia. It's about keeping live music alive — and ensuring that the musicians who spent decades entertaining audiences aren't forgotten."

Roy recently performed at Pesta San Pedro in Melaka and will next take the stage at the MfM concert.

Meanwhile, 'Mulanya Di Sini' continues its journey, finding its way into new commercials, fresh performances and another generation's playlists.