Be Comforted by Najwa Mahiaddin’s After The Rain

Malaysians have become increasingly cynical over Malaysia’s political and economic future with many expressing dismay over what has transpired in recent months. There is a general feeling of gloom akin to how we generally feel when confronted by dark stormy days. I am similarly affected, often feeling frustrated and depressed at what has been happening in our beloved country. I often wish that all this gloom will come to an end soonest so that we can get on with our lives with hope and pride.

So when singer Najwa Mahiaddin released her slow, soulful ballad “After The Rain” recently, it struck a chord with Malaysians regardless of race, religion or political leanings. Najwa has been lauded for helping to provide the country with comfort and strength in these trying times.

In announcing the release of her latest track, the New York-based singer uploaded a black-and-white video of the haunting ballad yesterday evening.

In the song, Najwa, the daughter of former deputy prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, urged Malaysians to remain hopeful and to hold their heads up high.

“I believe in the power of music and its ability to heal. May this song provide comfort and strength to us all in these trying times,” she wrote in a message accompanying the video.

“We may all fall down, but we all get up, hold your head up Malaysia, after the rain comes the sun.

“When life gets cold, and skies are blue, you’re not alone I am here for you, my brothers and sisters we’ll see you through.

“These are the times we must get through, courage and wisdom must live in you. The way of our future lies in you.

“From the rising of the sun, together we are one, we are stronger forever,” she sings.

Najwa shot to fame in 2011 with her self-penned bluesy song Got To Go. which won her the Best New Artiste and Best English Song awards at the 18th Music Industry Awards (AIM).

Last week when her father was unceremoniously booted from the federal Cabinet by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Najwa took to Twitter with a simple tweet “Allah knows best.”

Her 5.35-minute video on Facebook, which also features fellow singer songwriter Juny, has garnered close to 90,000 views and almost 9,000 people have shared her video. It has received an avalanche of positive comments from Malaysians, mostly praising the song and its inspirational message. The video below has only been posted on YouTube today:

Facebook user Asyilah Tan said: I’m listening to this from Adelaide. Originally from Sarawak, Borneo. Everytime I read or hear things about Malaysia nowadays, I die a little inside. This song made me feel hopeful again. I hope Malaysia will get through all this and come up stronger than ever. Love from a fellow Malaysian in Adelaide, Australia.

Another Facebook user Moo Tong commented: Brought tears to my eyes. It was sung with such sincere emotions and with words so real for every Malaysian. This song has given me inspiration to put off my plans to emigrate a little while longer. If indeed the Sun shines after the Rain, then I want to be around when it happens. It is the first time in my 47 Years as a Malaysian that I can truly say that a “patriotic” song other than the Negaraku could strike a chord in my heart strings.Well done Najwa.

Facebook user Neville Timothy Sanders thanked Najwa and said: Basically, no matter what is currently happening in Malaysia, we should all stand together as one and get through this tough times as one. No one is left behind. #keepyourheadupMalaysia #prayforMalaysia.

User Rohainy Abdul Latiff had this to say:Thank you…..truly patriotic and inspiring in your own style Stand tall Najwa ! You made a call to all Malaysians to rise up as a nation, stand up and heal ourselves. This is OUR country. Together we must overcome what divided us ,robbed us ,downtrodden us to this all-time low. May Allah save our beloved country!

Sumita Kristin Palanisamy shared her feelings: You lift us all up…superbly with this song during this tough time. Such an inspirational one. Touched our soul. Keep it up….in #Malaysians we believe.