AN HONOUR: File photo shows members of Hevance during their landmark performance of Iban songs in Hard Rock Hotel Penang on Sept 14. Hevance played Iban rock songs including hits ‘Aku Nemu’ and ‘Bajik’.
KUCHING: The Dayak music industry should feel honoured by the recognition given to local band Hevance to perform at the Hard Rock Hotel Penang recently.
Vice president of Dayak Arts and Culture Enthusiasts Association (PPSKDK) Isa Lee said the industry should be proud of the ground-breaking act.
“By performing there, Hevance has opened up new frontiers for the Dayak music industry. It is hoped this would pave the way and inspire others to dare to dream and aim high.
“The strong point of Hevance is that they are good in marketing, which makes them popular. Good songs and good music are not enough if the artiste is not popular or does not garner enough following,” he said.
Hevance, which won the Best Indie Rock Group of South-east Asia in the VIMA 2013 Awards in Kuala Lumpur, was invited to perform at the hotel’s Hard Rock Cafe on Sept 14.
They played a set of Iban rock songs including hits such as ‘Aku Nemu’ and ‘Bajik’ to a crowd of mostly non-Iban speakers, and some in the audience were mesmerised.
The band comprise of Aldrich on vocals and guitar, Nathaniel Philip on keyboards, Gideon (drums), Joners (lead guitar) and Lucas (bassist). They shot to fame through their hit song ‘Aku Nemu’,which won Best Song at the Anugerah Juara Rentak Ruai (AJARR) in 2012.
The same song also won the Best Song at the Anugerah Muzik Dayak (AMD) that same year, and also ‘Media Social Paling Kaw’ Award at the Era Borneo Charts Award 2012.
Their new hit song ‘Bajik’ then went on to win Most Popular Song at this year’s AJARR held in Sibu.
On another matter, Isa expressed his concerns over the declining quality of Iban song lyrics.
Because of this, he on behalf of PPSKDK lyricists or songwriters, will take extra caution before finalising versions of the song to ensure the quality of language is not compromised.
“They should seek guidance from those who know Jaku Iban Standard. Nowadays, there are many who are proficient in the Iban language and they are sensitive about this. Do not be shy to ask because lyrics which are insensitive and written in broken Iban can hurt and offend others,” he said.