AC Mizal and JessC Join Forces for Festive Single “Mari Menari Raya”
Malaysian entertainer AC Mizal has returned to enliven the local music scene ahead of Eid al-Fitr with a brand-new festive single titled “Mari Menari Raya,” a collaboration with international Malaysian singer JessC.
The upbeat track offers a refreshing take on traditional Raya music, combining contemporary pop sounds with lively rhythms aimed at appealing to younger audiences.
According to AC Mizal, the idea behind the energetic song was to create something different from the sentimental Raya ballads that typically dominate the festive season.
“We wanted to produce a lively and cheerful Raya song that feels fresh and modern,” he said.
To achieve this, the production blends modern pop with hip-hop rhythms and traditional Malay musical elements. The arrangement features electronic drums, hand claps, hi-hat patterns, vibrant brass melodies and groovy bass lines, giving the song a trendy and contemporary sound.
Despite their busy schedules, the recording process was completed efficiently with the support of a well-organised production team. AC Mizal revealed that he recorded his part in just one night, while JessC took about three days to complete her vocals.
“We recorded separately, but everything followed the guide track that had already been prepared,” he explained during the single’s launch event.
Although most of the lyrics were provided by the production team, AC Mizal personally wrote the rap section, adding his signature style to the song.
Beyond its festive energy, “Mari Menari Raya” also carries a meaningful message about unity and harmony within Malaysia’s multicultural society, reflecting the spirit of celebration during Eid.
“In the entertainment industry, we must always keep up with the times. Whether it’s music, drama or film, everything is closely connected to current trends,” AC Mizal said.
Even after more than three decades in the entertainment industry, he added that he continues striving to introduce fresh ideas so that Malaysian music remains vibrant and relevant.
AC Mizal also praised JessC’s courage in performing a Raya song in the Malay language despite coming from a different cultural background.
“It’s rare to see non-Malay singers perform Raya songs. JessC deserves recognition because she respects and appreciates our culture and celebrations,” he said.
“For me, accepting this collaboration was not just about recording a song, but about symbolising unity and mutual respect between cultures.”
International Recognition Opens New Doors
JessC shared that her growing international exposure has created new opportunities to introduce Malaysian music to a global audience after winning the Best Asia Pop Winner at the ICMA Music Competition.
Speaking about her journey, the singer said competing on an international stage has opened more doors for Malaysian artists to showcase their music worldwide.
Previously, 16 of her music videos collectively recorded more than 28 million views on YouTube, a milestone she believes demonstrates the strong potential of Asian music to penetrate the global market.
JessC added that her travels to many countries have deepened her appreciation for Malaysia’s cultural diversity.
“I have been to many countries, but for me Malaysia is among the best because people from different cultures and languages live together in harmony,” she said.
The singer also described her collaboration with AC Mizal as an enjoyable experience, praising his energetic, creative and charismatic personality on stage.
Meanwhile, the music video for the festive track “Mari Menari Raya” has also been submitted to the ICMA international music competition in the United States and has begun attracting attention from members of Japan’s entertainment industry.
JessC hopes the positive reception will help introduce Malaysian festive songs to a wider global audience while further expanding the international presence of Malaysia’s local music scene.
