Mohd Khairil Sabri, more popularly known as Ayie Lantana, is a proud Felda (Federal Land Development Authority) boy who grew up in Bukit Bading, Hulu Terengganu.
Ayie made his name as the lead vocalist for the group Lantana. He is also a social media influencer who runs his own business – Ayie Lantana Grabbeats Enterprise – which offers a wide range of products, including musical equipment, food, and tour bus services.
Ayie recently combined his vocal talents with Yabang Khalifah for the ‘Karnival Segalanya Felda’ theme song. The carnival is at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) from July 12-14.
Recorded earlier this year, the song was well-received during the roadshows to promote the carnival. Its “official unveiling” was at MAEPS on July 10.
“I jumped at the chance to sing the theme song when Yabang invited me to join him, as I am proud of my Felda roots,” said Ayie.
“My father (Sabri Mohd) is a Felda settler. I grew up in Bukit Bading. It was a wonderful time, with lots of happy memories.
“The song describes the struggles of the ‘fathers of Felda’ – the original settlers who created something special – and also Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, Malaysia’s second prime minister, who conceived the idea of Felda.”
Ayie said he was not surprised to learn that the song was well-received.
“Yabang and Khalifah are great musicians – above my level,” joked Ayie.
“To perform with Yabang is an honour. Khalifah creates wonderful songs. I am not surprised people enjoyed listening to ‘Segalanya Felda’ as the tune is very catchy.”
Yabang, whose name is Muhammad Qidam Abdullah, said he didn’t mind rewriting the lyrics for Felda when approached by its chairman, Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.
“To be honest, it was not difficult, as the chairman gave me pointers on what he wanted for the lyrics,” said Yabang.
“He had many great ideas, and I just put them together. I knew the lyrics would resonate with the Felda folks, as it is a song of hope.”
The carnival is in conjunction with Settlers’ Day (Hari Peneroka). Previously celebrated annually as a one-day affair, this is the first time Felda has turned it into a three-day celebration. Some 500,000 stakeholders and visitors expected to throng MAEPS for the carnival.
Numerous programmes have been scheduled across 12 fields or clusters during the carnival. They include education, job opportunities, an FGV festival, talent shows, and food stalls.