AMID the ever-shifting landscape of contemporary music, spiritual nasyid rhythms continue to hold a cherished place in the hearts of listeners.
Proof that the genre can transcend generations when infused with a fresh, modern touch without sacrificing its soulful core lies in Hijjaz.
The legendary Malaysian group — comprising lead vocalist Munif Ahmad, Isman Nadim Isam, Faizal Osman and Ariffin Rahim — will celebrate their 30-year milestone with a concert at Istana Budaya.
'Konsert Hijjaz 3 Dekad: Rindu Sumayyah' will take place on Oct 16 and 17 at Panggung Sari, supported by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and organised by Inteam Records (via Inteam Events).
The concert will be a grand tribute to three decades of artistry, brotherhood and spiritual devotion that has shaped the music scene.
FULL CIRCLE
A key factor behind the group's enduring appeal is their willingness to evolve.
Their latest single, 'Akhir Bersamamu', blends Hijjaz's signature vocal harmonies with contemporary pop elements, catching the ears of a younger demographic and racking up hundreds of thousands of streams and views.
"When we produced 'Akhir Bersamamu', we leaned more towards pop music.
"Wan Salleh, the producer, took inspiration from Bruno Mars's music, including the use of trumpets. The result sounds distinctly fresh," Isman said at a recent press briefing.
"The song still feels like Hijjaz, while appealing to the youth.
"We are still creating the same style of music, but we incorporate new elements, arrangements and vocal delivery.
"If previously a single lead will sing, now all four of us sing together. That is also something new for Hijjaz."
The track serves as the lead single for their new six-track studio album released via Inteam Digital — their first full-length offering in nearly two decades.
The project showcases a rich tapestry of music, ranging from traditional 'joget' and 'inang' to Arabic influences and modern pop.
This collaboration also reunites Hijjaz with former mentees Inteam.
Inteam was formed during their student days at the International Islamic University Malaysia. They were discovered and mentored by Hijjaz under Hijjaz Records Sdn Bhd.
Over the years, Hijjaz has crafted distinct identities for a whole generation of proteges — infusing youthfulness into Inteam and UNIC, and a more mature sensibility into Mestica, alongside groups like Aeman.
Two decades later, Inteam is coming full circle to give back to their mentors.
Inteam Records programme director Muhammad Hazamin Harun said: "To convince Hijjaz, we started by producing a new album for them first, including the song 'Akhir Bersamamu'. From there, we persuaded them to hold a concert.
"Previously, they produced our albums. This time, we approached them to fund and produce theirs. But the melodies and creative output remain purely Hijjaz.
"It has been about 10 years since their last release, so this album is a true comeback."
On the concert venue, he said: "When we put Hijjaz at Istana Budaya, it is a mark of honour. It is very rare for a nasyid group to hold a solo concert on such a prestigious stage.
"Their fans are mature, financially stable and deeply loyal. Within the first day of ticket sales, nearly 70 per cent were snapped up."
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A MAMMOTH SETLIST
Staging a production of this magnitude demands a lot. Over two nights, Hijjaz will deliver a mammoth 32-song setlist — a first in their 30-year history.
"Throughout Hijjaz's 30 years, we have never performed that many songs for a concert. There is some anxiety because I lead many of those numbers," frontman Munif said
"At our age, we must maintain healthy daily routines, build stamina and surrender to God."
To prepare for the vocal and physical toll, the members have begun daily fitness routines, including jogging and cycling.
"Our priorities are stamina and respiratory control," Isman said.
"Thankfully, we perform standing, rather than jumping around like a rap concert. We are taking care of our stamina strictly so that we do not run out of steam midway."
The setlist, structured into four thematic segments, will resurrect beloved tracks from their first two albums that have been absent from live performances for nearly 20 years, complete with updated arrangements.
The group will be accompanied on stage by more than 40 musicians from the Traditional Orchestra of Malaysia and the National Symphony Orchestra at Istana Budaya.
Beyond the auditorium, audience members can also immerse themselves in the Souq Rindu Sumayyah foyer exhibition, featuring old memorabilia, vintage performance attire and a special 'Nasheed GenZ' showcase.
REMEMBERING SALEH RAMLI
Amid the celebration, the milestone also brings a poignant moment of remembrance for late founding member Mohd Salleh Ramli, who passed away due to pneumonia in 2001 at age 32.
Salleh was a creative pillar during the group's foundational years following their departure from the pioneering nasyid ensemble NadaMurni in 1996.
Beyond his iconic vocals in classics like 'Sumayyah', Salleh also played an instrumental role in mentoring and shaping acts like Inteam during Hijjaz Records' early years.
Hijjaz's concert will feature a tribute segment featuring the song 'Kau Sahabat Kau Teman' in memory of their late brother-in-arms and other departed industry figures.
"Even though his physical presence is gone, his spirit burns brightly within us," Isman said.
"I feel that Salleh is still with us. He contributed so much creativity to Hijjaz and was crucial in guiding Inteam and other groups. His influence is woven into everything we do."
The celebration of 30 years of Hijjaz promises an unforgettable weekend of spiritual warmth, musical mastery and deep nostalgia for nasyid lovers across generations.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd