KL2017: Dayang Nurfaizah aims to 'rock' National Stadium with 'Bangkit Bersama'

Songstress Dayang Nurfaizah Awang Dowty who has been given the honour to belt out the 2017 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games (KL2017) theme song 'Bangkit Bersama' (Rise Together) during the opening ceremony at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil this Saturday aims to have it etched in the hearts of all Malaysians.

Describing the task as a "once in a lifetime" chance, the Kuching-born singer said it was not just a theme song but a source of inspiration for Malaysians to be behind the national contingent every step of the way.

"My dream is to sing my heart out and hope all Malaysians will embrace the song," she told Bernama.

Composed by Datuk Ramli M.S, the lyrics are from the ideas of Malaysians that were forwarded on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram using the hashtag #laguKL2017 since May.

The song also consolidates three theme songs created for the prestigious regional Games namely Tunjuk Belang by monoloQue, Azlan and maliQue; and 'So Many Hands' by Miq Palencia for the official advertisements for this 29th SEA Games.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V is scheduled to open KL2017 at the 80,000-capacity stadium.

This is the sixth time Malaysia are hosting the Games, the last in 2001 when the theme song then was"Demi Semangat Kesukanan" (In the Spirit of Sport) composed by Helen Yap with the Malay lyrics by Loloq and in English by Tom Leng, Lynn Ali presented the song.

Admitting that she was a bundle of nerves ahead of the big occasion, Dayang Nurfaizah said the delivery would use the 'minus one' format.

The "Lelaki Teragung" and "Di Pintu Syurga" hit-maker added that she was practising endlessly and was involved in sound checks and dry runs since last week to ensure everything went smoothly.

As for sports, Dayang Nurfaizah said she used to play tennis when she was small but singing was more her forte.

Just like the rest of Malaysians, the 36-year old said she would be rooting for the national contingent and is hoping they would emerge overall champions.

Meanwhile, the video clip of "Bangkit Bersama" uploaded on Youtube since last week has already scored more than 100,000 hits.

In the comments section, a netizen going by the name of 'baddest boo' said: "Cannot wait for the live version. Dayang would be amazing".

Netizen Afiq Shukri had this to say: "Very good lyrics. This song will definitely lift the patriotic spirit. Thank you Dayang and Dato' Ramli M.S".

Another going by the name of "bukanbintangbiasa" wrote: "Amazing..Best .....i think the lyrics are powerful... the message is very clear".

-- BERNAMA