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HAIRUL ANUAR HARUN * Birth name Hairul Anuar Harun * Born March 2, 1975 * Birthplace Pulau Pinang, Malaysia * Nationality MalaysianOccupation Lyricist, Lecturer, Cultural Advocate * Years active 1995–present * Affiliations Managing Director of Ardawalika Art, Persatuan Muzik Tradisional Malaysia (SATRIA)

Hairul Anuar Harun

Hairul Anuar Harun is a distinguished Malaysian lyricist, lecturer, and cultural advocate renowned for his impactful contributions to the preservation and evolution of traditional Malay music. With a career spanning several decades, he has written the lyrics for over 300 songs, many of which have become staples in the Malaysian music landscape. Notable among his celebrated works are Cindai, Hati Kama, and Balqis—songs that not only topped charts but also played pivotal roles in popularizing the Irama Malaysia genre, which fuses traditional musical elements with contemporary styles. His poetic mastery and ability to encapsulate Malay heritage in modern compositions have made him a key figure in maintaining cultural continuity through music.

Beyond his achievements as a lyricist, Hairul is also an influential figure in the academic and performing arts communities. He serves as a lecturer at the Akademi Seni Budaya dan Warisan Kebangsaan (ASWARA), where he teaches courses in lyric writing and musical theatre. Through his academic role, he nurtures the next generation of Malaysian songwriters, instilling in them an appreciation for linguistic artistry and cultural storytelling. His commitment to education reflects his broader mission to sustain Malaysia’s artistic traditions by empowering young creatives with the tools to innovate without losing sight of their roots.

Hairul’s dedication to music and culture has been recognized through numerous prestigious awards. He is a recipient of accolades such as Anugerah Juara Lagu, Anugerah Industri Muzik, and Anugerah Planet Muzik, all of which acknowledge his excellence in lyricism and his contributions to the music industry. These honors are a testament not only to his talent but also to the cultural impact of his work. Whether through his evocative lyrics, his mentorship, or his cultural advocacy, Hairul continues to be a prominent and respected voice in Malaysia’s artistic landscape, leaving an enduring legacy in both the creative and academic spheres.

Early Life and Education

Hairul Anuar Harun was born on March 2, 1975, in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, and grew up in Batu Kurau, Perak. He attended Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampung Yaman, Batu Kurau, followed by Sekolah Menengah Dato' Kamaruddin Batu Kurau and Sekolah Menengah Vokasional Kuala Kangsar. During his school years, he actively participated in literary competitions under the pen name Megamutiara and won several state-level writing awards.

Hairul pursued higher education at the Akademi Seni Kebangsaan (now known as Akademi Seni Budaya dan Warisan Kebangsaan, ASWARA), earning a Bachelor's Degree in Creative Writing with Honors. He later completed a Master's Degree in Modern Literature at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) from 2015 to 2017.

Personnel Life

Hairul Anuar Harun currently resides in Rawang, Selangor, Malaysia, where he continues to lead a life deeply rooted in the arts and culture. In addition to his work as a lyricist and academic, he is the founder and Managing Director of Ardawalika Art, a creative production company that focuses on developing high-quality artistic performances, scriptwriting, and music-related projects. Through Ardawalika Art, Hairul has been instrumental in producing and curating works that reflect Malaysia’s diverse cultural heritage, while also exploring innovative ways to present traditional narratives in modern formats. The company serves as a platform for collaboration among artists, performers, and writers, and under Hairul's leadership, it continues to contribute meaningfully to the local creative industry.

Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Hairul is also an active figure in cultural advocacy. He serves as an advisor to Persatuan Muzik Tradisional Malaysia (SATRIA), an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Malaysian music. His involvement in SATRIA reflects his long-standing commitment to sustaining the country’s musical legacy and ensuring that traditional forms continue to be celebrated and passed down to future generations. Whether through mentorship, production, or community engagement, Hairul’s personal and professional life remains closely intertwined with his passion for the arts and his dedication to enriching Malaysia’s cultural landscape.

Career

Hairul began his career in the Malaysian music industry in the mid-1990s, quickly gaining recognition for his unique ability to blend traditional Malay elements with contemporary musical styles. His deep appreciation for Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage, combined with a forward-thinking approach to songwriting, allowed him to create music that resonated with a wide range of audiences. Over the years, he has penned lyrics for more than 300 songs, showcasing his versatility across genres such as pop, ballad, traditional, and fusion. His work often reflects themes of love, identity, and social values, and he is well respected for his poetic style and emotional depth. Hairul has collaborated with numerous prominent composers and recording artists in the Malaysian music scene, contributing to both chart-topping hits and critically acclaimed works. His dedication and contributions have made him a significant figure in the evolution of modern Malaysian music.

Breakthrough

Hairul gained national prominence in 1997 when he penned the lyrics for the song Cindai, which was performed by the legendary Malaysian songstress Siti Nurhaliza and composed by the late Pak Ngah (Dato' Suhaimi Mohd Zain). The song stood out for its masterful fusion of traditional Malay musical elements with a modern arrangement, and Hairul’s lyrics played a pivotal role in bringing the piece to life. With its poetic verses and strong cultural motifs, Cindai captured the essence of Malay heritage while appealing to contemporary audiences. It showcased Hairul’s gift for crafting lyrics that were not only melodious but also rich in cultural significance, setting a new standard in the local music scene.

In 1998, Cindai won the prestigious Anugerah Juara Lagu (AJL) in the Ethnic Creative category, solidifying its place as one of Malaysia’s most iconic and enduring songs. The award marked a major milestone in Hairul’s career and further elevated his status as a respected lyricist in the industry. Beyond its success in award shows, the song became a cultural touchstone, widely recognized and beloved across generations. It continues to be celebrated as a classic that redefined the possibilities of traditional music in a modern context, and Hairul’s contribution to its timeless appeal remains one of his most significant achievements.

Teaching and Academic Contributions

Hairul has been actively involved in the field of education, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience with aspiring artists and writers. Since 2019, he has served as a lecturer at the Akademi Seni Budaya dan Warisan Kebangsaan (ASWARA), Malaysia’s premier institution for arts, culture, and heritage. At ASWARA, Hairul teaches a variety of subjects, including Poetry, Lyric Writing, and Musical Theatre—courses that align closely with his professional expertise. His classes are known for blending academic rigor with real-world industry insights, offering students a rare opportunity to learn from someone who has successfully navigated both the creative and professional aspects of the Malaysian music scene. By drawing from his own body of work and experiences, he encourages students to explore their cultural identities through artistic expression while also equipping them with practical skills to succeed in the industry.

Prior to joining ASWARA, Hairul also contributed to the academic community through his teaching role at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) from 2018 to 2019. During his time at UiTM, he played a similar role in nurturing young talents, particularly in the areas of creative writing and performance. His transition into academia reflects his deep commitment to the arts beyond personal achievement; it highlights his desire to give back to the creative community by shaping and inspiring future generations of artists, lyricists, and performers. Hairul's involvement in both institutions underscores his belief in education as a powerful tool for cultural preservation and innovation, reinforcing his dual identity as both a practitioner and a mentor in Malaysia’s vibrant arts ecosystem.

Legacy and Influence

Hairul Anuar Harun is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the preservation and promotion of Malaysian traditional music, particularly through his contributions to the Irama Malaysia genre. His body of work has played a central role in maintaining the relevance of traditional Malay musical elements within a contemporary context. By skillfully merging poetic language with modern musical arrangements, Hairul has not only revived public interest in traditional sounds but also elevated their artistic and cultural value. Songs like Cindai, Hati Kama, and Balqis are considered cultural milestones, and continue to be studied, performed, and appreciated by new generations.

His commitment to cultural preservation extends beyond his songwriting. Hairul has consistently used his platform to advocate for the protection and revitalization of Malaysian heritage arts. He frequently participates in forums, academic discussions, and public dialogues on the importance of sustaining traditional art forms in the face of globalization and cultural homogenization. His insights and recommendations have influenced cultural programming and educational curricula, helping to embed traditional music and performance into formal academic settings. Through these efforts, he has become a bridge between the artistic community, policymakers, and the general public, ensuring that Malaysia’s artistic traditions are not only preserved but also allowed to evolve meaningfully.

Hairul’s influence can also be seen in how he has inspired a new generation of musicians, lyricists, and cultural advocates. Many young artists view him as a mentor and role model, drawn to his ability to maintain artistic integrity while embracing innovation. His work at institutions like ASWARA, coupled with his leadership at Ardawalika Art, has created fertile ground for nurturing talent and promoting heritage-based creativity. Hairul’s legacy is one of dedication, artistry, and cultural stewardship—a lasting imprint on Malaysia’s creative and cultural landscape.

Awards and Recognition

Anugerah Juara Lagu (AJL)

1998 – Cindai (Winner, Ethnic Creative Category)

1999 – Hati Kama (Winner, Ethnic Creative Category)

2000 – Balqis (Overall Winner)

2003 – Ya Maulai (Finalist, Anugerah Juara Lagu)

Notable Works

"Cindai" (1997) – Siti Nurhaliza

"Hati Kama" (1999) – Siti Nurhaliza & Noraniza Idris

"Balqis" (2000) – Siti Nurhaliza

"Dikir Puteri" – Noraniza Idris

"Awallah Dondang" – Noraniza Idris

"Joget Sulam Sakti" – Reena Nicky (Winner, Anugerah Industri Muzik 2016)

"Ya Maulai" – Siti Nurhaliza

"Dirgahayu" – Ramlah Ram

"Di Taman Teman" – Siti Nurhaliza

"Tahajjud Cinta" – Siti Nurhaliza