Umbas – Nading Rhapsody’s first global single

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Nading Rhapsody taking a moment together after the evening’s event was launched by Letitia Samuel (third right) of Planet Borneo.

Nading Rhapsody taking a moment together after the evening’s event was launched by Letitia Samuel (third right) of Planet Borneo.

KUCHING: What musician wouldn’t dream of is having a studio-produced recording in hand after years of ‘live’ performances?

Seven-piece local band Nading Rhapsody launched its first single last weekend, a six-minute multi-lingual aural feast entitled ‘Umbas’, which translates as ‘Enough’.

“This is not just a song that represents any genre. It is a message to everybody,” said Royston Kulleh (lyrics-vocals-chants).

Azhfar Raimi (vocals-chants), better known as Opah, chimed in saying that while their roots are in Borneo, ‘Umbas’ reached further to touch issues that were relevant globally.

“The message we put in Umbas lyrically and musically is something different. So when we listen to the lyrics, the message is for everyone in the world,” she said.

And what is the message? The blurb on the CD sleeve calls it a tribute to humanity.

“It describes our frustration with both national and international issues. This song addresses public awareness to put a stop to the injustice that is happening globally (as in pollution, corruption, violence, etc.), accompanied by messages of motivation and inspiration,” said the rest of text.

“This song is our first baby. From here, we will come up with more and more songs. We have a lot to share,” said Boy Keevin, composer and bassist of the group.

As the main man in the studio, Boy said everyone had to be extra focused.

“Recording is trickier because each track has to be precise so that we can hear each instrument.”

All seven members currently have full-time jobs and can only work on their music at night or whenever they are free.

“Music is something that comes from the heart, so it’s challenging to do (it) at the end of the day after work,” added Boy.

Opah added that after three years of ‘live’ performances together, it can be a dislocating experience to be in the studio by herself.

“When performing live, all of us are on the stage. Recording means we do it separately. It’s different not to have people around me. I’m so used to looking at them!”

Billing themselves as an Avant-Garde Borneo Ethnic Music band, Nading Rhapsody blends the voices of ethnic groups in Sarawak with contemporary arrangements and music, bringing old traditions to new audiences without losing its cultural roots.

The band is unsigned so they are essentially doing everything themselves, including finding the time to sit down together and decide that it was high time to lay down some tracks for this single.

‘Umbas’ made its debut at Planet Borneo Lodge on Saturday to a small but appreciative crowd, who also got to enjoy other local ethnic artistes such as Letticia Kila Thomas, who won the title of Miss Talent World Harvest Festival 2015 and logged a new milestone with her Iban traditional pantun recital.

She reprised her performance and set the tone for the night’s entertainment, which also included Iban singer Diana Ant Belikau, Kumang Gawai and dancer Lydia Desmond and singer Arry Sullivan.

As for what’s next for the band, Opah said they are working on more songs, and they have the Tong Tong Festival in The Hague, Netherlands, to look forward to next year.

Established in 1959, the Tong Tong Festival features hundreds of performances spread over 12 days.

They were invited by one of the festival’s artistic directors last year but are only able to take that step towards The Hague now, thanks to the Malaysian Performing Arts Agency (MyPAA).

Royston said that they were fortunate to be among the 16 chosen to receive funding from the Royal Arts Gala Fund under MyPAA.

“Since we are independent, there’s financial constraint when it comes to going abroad. We just received news that they will be helping us with the funds to go to Tong Tong.

‘Umbas’ will be available for download from their website or on CD. Fans can purchase their CD through their official Facebook page or Nading Rhapsody website.

For further enquiries, contact Azhfar Raimi (Opah) at 019-8399188.