Since the first Cipta Ekspres held at Tioman Island in 1999, almost 200 composers, lyricists and arrangers have participated in this composers’ workshop which brought experienced and and promising songwriters together, with many collaborating for the first time, to compose new songs at a place away from the comfort of their homes and studios.

More than 100 songs were born from Cipta Ekspres with hits from the first Cipta Ekspres, “Di Kampung ini (Mari Menyanyi)” by Toki & Chow Kam Leong to “Ya Papa” by Taja & Hairul Anuar Harun, performed by Yazer AF, Kotarayaku by Noh Hujan, LY & Rafidah Abdullah and “Kalau Berpacaran” by Sohaimi Mior Hassan, Ana Rafalli & Altimet, remaining popular to-date. Not forgetting the year 2008, when the workshop produced 9 songs for Dato Siti Nurhaliza’s “Lentera Timur” album.

This year, marked the 10th Cipta Ekspres organized by MACP. This time, the event brought together 16 composers and lyricists such as Edry KRU, Toi AF, DJ Fuzz, Acap, Shahir Yusof, Taja, Amir Jahari, Lan Laga, Akmal Saja, Az Samad, Ayub Hashim, Mimi One Nation Emcee, Buddhi Hekayat, Eyza Bahra, Royce Saayan and Hairul Anuar Harun.

Balloting was conducted at MACP’s office wherein 8 composers were paired with one lyrcist each. Each group was then assigned arrangers engaged by MACP to complete the arrangement for the songs.

Following the call by YB Dato’ Sri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Minister of Communication and Multimedia, the participants were thrown the challenge to create songs with the theme “M-Pop”.

We are very pleased that 8 songs were created from Cipta Ekspres and have immediately receive airplay in the radio stations.

The songs are :-

1. Sebuah Memori – Toi AF/Eyra Bahra
2. Imaginasiku – DJ Fuzz/Akmal Saja
3. Membunuh Benci – Acap/Hairul Anuar Harun
4. Komodor Jiwa – Shahir Yusof/Royce Saayan
5. Atasi – Taja/Az Samad
6. G.I.L.A – Edry KRU/Ayub Hashim
7. Ultras Hatiku – Amir Jahari/Buddhi Hekayat
8. Bertenanglah – Lan Laga/Mimi One Nation Emcee

A jam session showcasing the new songs was held at the pool side in Residence Desa Resort, Port Dickson on the last night of the workshop.