Siti Nurhaliza Surprised To Find Her Song On King Charles's Playlist
Hearing King Charles say 'Anta Pemana' in his posh English accent was not on my bingo card.
By Celine Low — 12 Mar 2025, 12:37 PM
What do Beyoncé, Bob Marley, and Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza have in common?
They're all on King Charles's playlist!
Siti Nurhaliza's hit song, Anta Pemana, has been included in a special Commonwealth Day playlist curated by King Charles III.
The playlist, released as part of a one-off Apple Music 1 show titled The King's Music Room on 10 March, showcases the King's eclectic musical taste and artistes from across the Commonwealth.
According to the BBC, the King had consulted his friends, family, and those he worked with to put the playlist together.
"So, this is what I particularly want to share with you — songs which have brought me joy," the King said.
And it seems that Siti's Malay-language ballad is one of those songs!
Like the rest of us, Siti was just as surprised by the inclusion
"To be honest, I was surprised after being informed by my label, Universal Music Malaysia. Apple Music contacted them and shared the news," Siti told BH Online.
She also told Hot FM that she initially thought the inclusion was fake. "Don't be fooled by this; there are many scams involving AI," she said. However, her label assured her that the news was real.
"This proves that music transcends culture, race, and language. Unexpectedly, the song Anta Permana was chosen and King Charles III knew this song was about love."
Siti also acknowledged the songwriters, Hael Husaini and Ezra Kong for their creative contribution. "To be honest, Anta Permana has its own advantages. Even though those who listen to it don't understand the language, the melody manages to touch people," she said.
Siti Nurhaliza joins several legendary international singers such as Beyoncé, Bob Marley, Diana Ross, Grace Jones, and Kylie Minogue
King Charles's music taste spans a diverse range of genres, from disco and reggae to opera and ballads. Here's the full playlist:
- Bob Marley & The Wailers – Could You Be Loved
- Millie Small – My Boy Lollipop
- Kylie Minogue – The Loco-Motion
- Al Bowlly – The Very Thought of You
- Grace Jones – La Vie En Rose
- Raye – Love Me Again
- Daddy Lumba – Mpempem Do Me
- Davido – Kante (featuring Fave)
- Miriam Makeba – The Click Song
- Jools Holland & Ruby Turner – My Country Man
- Anoushka Shankar – Indian Summer
- Siti Nurhaliza – Anta Permana
- Dame Kiri Te Kanawa – E Te Iwi E (Call to the People)
- Michael Buble – Haven't Met You Yet
- Arrow – Hot Hot Hot
- Beyonce – Crazy in Love (featuring Jay-Z)
- Diana Ross – Upside Down
"It has that remarkable ability to bring happy memories flooding back from the deepest recesses of our memory, to comfort us in times of sadness, and to take us to distant places. But perhaps, above all, it can lift our spirits to such a degree, and all the more so when it brings us together in celebration. In other words, it brings us joy."
The playlist is available for streaming on Apple Music.
King Charles III photographed at Buckingham Palace for the King's Music Room, with an "on air" sign on the desk.
Image via Apple Music