KOTA SAMARAHAN: Engkilili assemblyman Dr Johnical Rayong Ngipa wants Dayaks, particularly Iban music composers and lyricists, to produce more patriotic songs as that genre of music is lacking.
He said producing such music might be challenging to composers and lyricists but with willpower it could be done.
Rayong cited newly-formed Dayak rock band Aka Dambai as a good example of musicians showing interest in patriotic songs by slotting two patriotic songs in their debut album ‘Ngeransi’.
He pointed out though there are many ways for the younger generation to remind themselves of Iban legend Rentap, Iban trackers like Awang Raweng, Menggong Pangit and Jinggut Atan and Sarawak Rangers Ubang Kendawang and Kanang Langkau, rock music is certainly a very catchy way to do so.
“There are already too many romantic songs and songs based on broken love. Therefore there is an urgent need to produce more patriotic songs now. There should be songs about defending our nation Malaysia and our sovereignty, too,” he said before launching Aka Dambai’s debut album as well as Aka Dambai Rock Club at the Bungai Terung Ethnic Cafe located at a new commercial area along Samarahan Expressway here last Friday night.
Rayong also advised people to buy only original albums so as to support Dayak composers, lyricists and artistes. Supporting them would also help them to make a decent living from the music industry, he added.
Among the 10 songs in the album are ‘Iban Trackers, Sarawak Rangers’ and ‘Panglima Rentap’ as the band’s way to pay tribute to Iban heroes and legends. Apart from ‘Munsang Bebulu Manuk’ and ‘Rock Dara Tuai’, the rest of the songs are ballad. The album was produced by Kota Samarahan-based OCH Sound Production.
An Iban Miring and Iban Pantun programmes were held during the launch, which also included a special ‘Ai Ansah’ and ‘Nimang’ for Rayong. The United People’s Party (UPP) Youth chief-designate also rendered songs to the delight of the guests that included members of a Big Bikers group and the media.
Among those present were Aka Dambai Rock Club pro tem chief Robert Medan and Persatuan Penggiat Seni dan Kebudayaan Dayak Kuching leader Isa Lee.