When two patriotic songs become one

KUALA LUMPUR: When composer Helen Yap was first asked to combine two patriotic songs into one, her reaction was immediate.

“‘Mashup’? I thought, ‘Wow, this is going to be a curveball for me’,” she recalled with a laugh. “It was definitely something outside my comfort zone.”

The project, commissioned by the United States embassy in Kuala Lumpur to mark the US’s 250th year of independence on July 4, brought together Malaysian and American musicians in a unique arrangement celebrating the friendship between the two countries.

For Yap, the challenge was not simply about blending two melodies. Both songs carry deep patriotic meaning, making it essential to preserve the emotional identity of each while creating something entirely new.

“I chose ‘Tanah Pusaka’ because I felt it matched ‘America the Beautiful’ very well,” she told Bernama. “But it required a lot of research to make sure the two songs blended naturally.”

Her goal, she said, was to evoke the same sense of pride in listeners from both countries.

“The most important thing is that when listeners hear it, they feel patriotic. They love their country. It has to make you feel emotional.”

US embassy counsellor for public diplomacy Morgan O’Brien said music offers an unexpected but effective way of connecting with people beyond traditional diplomacy.

“When you typically think of diplomacy, you don’t necessarily think of music,” he said. “That’s why this was a fantastic way to connect with the Malaysian people in ways they are not expecting.”

The collaboration, he added, reflects the strong ties between Malaysia and the US, with music serving as a universal language that transcends borders.

For Yap, the project also brought back memories of studying at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she developed her understanding of jazz, music theory, arranging and production.

“When we came back, we changed the music industry here,” she said. “We brought back our knowledge.”

Ultimately, she believes this project is less about blending two songs than finding common ground through music – a reminder that patriotism and friendship can coexist in harmony.

Watch the music video here.