KUALA LUMPUR: S Atan is a name that many of the current generation may not be familiar with, but he is a legendary musical maestro in his own right for having the inate ability to produce songs that not only become hits but which are also regarded as treasures of the country's music industry.
S Atan, whose real name is Hashim Said, 74, is not just a name to be reckoned with when it comes to producing hit songs, but he is also likened as somewhat of a king when it comes to Aidilfitri-themed songs.
For more than four decades, S Atan has contributed immensely to the art of creating and producing songs, with many of his songs being sung by top artistes.
Among his top hits are Balik Kampung and Dari Jauh Ku Pohon Maaf sung by the late Sudirman Arshad; Menjelang Hari Raya (Datuk DJ Dave); Indah Beraya Di Desa (Azlina Aziz); Cahaya Aidilfitri (Black Dog Bone); Salam Aidilfitri (Jamal Abdillah); Joget Hari Raya (Zaleha Hamid & Herman Tino) as well as Hari Mulia (Datuk Sheila Majid).
However, despite all the notable achievements, the famed composer is disappointed by the royalty payment received for all his works over the years.
S Atan claims that since four years ago, the royalty collection body has failed to settle payments according to the amount that is supposed to be received.
"Usually, the highest amount of royalty I have received was about RM80,000 a year for all the songs that I produced which included Raya songs.
"However after 2018, the amount just kept decreasing and getting lower and lower, to less than RM30,000 a year. Just for Raya songs alone, the amount received is estimated at around RM10,000.
"As an individual who does not have a pension and depends totally on royalties as the main source of income, such a scenario and situation is very disappointing," he told Berita Harian Online (BHOnline).
S Atan was baffled and dumbfounded with the excuse given by the Music Authors' Copyright Protection (MACP) Berhad regarding the lower royalty received each year.
"I did enquire about this matter with the management of the MACP. The excuse given was that collection could not be made following the enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO) due to the threat of the Covid-19 virus which began in early 2020.
"The MACP informed me that the same thing is happening to other composers. I thought it was strange because even though there was a Movement Control Order (MCO) in place, the Raya songs that I produced were played on the airwaves and on television quite frequently. Most of the songs were hits and the listening choice of many.
"If that is their excuse, then there is nothing much I can say. But if there has been any deviation or criminal breach of trust that has happened, then I will not condone nor forgive those who have taken what is mine," said the Singapore born composer.
Meanwhile, S Atan expressed his gratitude for being given the trust by recording companies, labels and singers to produce Raya-themed songs.
"When they want a Raya song, then only do they find me (laughs). But I accept this fact and I do realise that I am old.
"It is OK, I take it as a mark of respect from them who still appreciate talent and my touch in producing Raya songs.
"Recently I came up with a Raya song to be sung by Datuk Jamal Abdillah. The song is titled Rindu Di Hari Lebaran.
"Because of the rather short promotional period, the song has not been able to capture the hearts of fans and listeners just yet. I hope that next year the song can be a hit and be a breath of fresh air," he said.
Last year, S Atan was featured in the Cahaya Aidilfitri concert - A Tribute to S Atan with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) on the iconic stage at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas.