Isa Lee
KUCHING: Iban songs will enter a new phase of expansion as they are no longer just accepted by Ibans but other races in Malaysia, said Persatuan Penggiat Seni dan Kebudayaan Dayak Kuching (PPSKDK).
The song ‘Bekikis Bulu Betis’ made popular by veteran singer Andrewson Ngalai was chosen to be sung during the 55th Merdeka Day celebration at Bukit Jalil on Aug 31, according to a press statement yesterday.
This was after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak got hooked after the song was sung during a Gawai open house in Betong this year.
The song renamed ‘Wawasan Bekikis Bulu Betis’ had its lyrics rewritten by state Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang.
PPSKDK deputy chairman Isa Lee commented: “This is a big step for the Iban music industry and should set a milestone. Most Iban songs deal with love, frustration and everyday life in the longhouse.”
“Most are joget, twist, balad and dangdut and now there are more genres of music like ska and alternative, which are getting popular,” he added.
“There is a vast improvement in terms of music, vocals, sound engineering and video clips. But there is a need for Iban music to have a theme of sorts,” Isa pointed out.
“There are hardly any songs on motivation, cleanliness, educating the young, technology and general well-being. ‘Lagu Rakyat’ or folk songs can be popular, given the right melody and lyrics,” he added.
Patriotic songs or popular folk songs are sung by singers in the likes of Hijau (Zainal Abidin), Lagenda (Sheila Majid), Budi Bahasa Budaya Kita (Dato’Siti Nurhaliza), Fikirkan Boleh (Jay Jay) and lots more.
“We must add more genre to Iban music to upgrade the Iban music industry to be on par with that of other races,” Isa said.
“The power of listeners is important as they are the ones who buy the album. They chart the future of the industry.”