Isa Lee
KUCHING: Dayak Arts and Culture Association Kuching (PPSKDK) wants the authorities to curb the rampant selling and purchasing of pirated CDs and VCDs of Iban songs in order to sustain healthy growth of the Dayak music industry.
Its vice-president Isa Lee said issues related to pirated CDs and DVDs, as well as unethical downloading of albums and music videos which infringe copyrights, must be tackled promptly and effectively.
“It seems to be a long shot, but initiating a small step to address this illegal activity is always better than nothing done at all.
“It has to start somewhere, through proper education and awareness of the general public, especially all the Iban music fans, that piracy needs to end,” he said.
Isa, who is also a producer and composer, noted that the Iban music industry has a long history and started even before independence.
“The first Iban song was recorded by Radio Sarawak sometime in the late 1950s. That period actually marked the beginning of the Iban music industry.
“ Later in the 1970s and 1980s, Iban music was mostly inclined to the pop music culture, mostly suited to the taste of listeners throughout that period. Gradually from the 1990s until today, other music genres such as rock, country, contemporary and even joget have been adapted and blended in to make the Iban music industry more vibrant and exciting.
“Today, this industry serves as the best platform to showcase new talents amongst Iban artistes as well as a source to generate income for those who are collaborating in this endeavour,” he said.
In order to keep up with the aspiration and growing interest towards Iban music in particular and the Iban music industry as a whole, he said pro-active measures needed to be undertaken.
This includes ensuring better quality songs are composed and produced, and he believed songs with catchy lyrics, good music arrangements and most important of all, performed by talented artists will definitely help to propel the industry to greater heights.
“Apart from that, a better marketing strategy needs to be executed to assist those who are directly involved in this industry to at least gain monetary returns and earn a better livelihood out of it. The government and corporate bodies can support this industry through organising and sponsoring more music events and concerts.
“Local radio stations and TV channels can also play their part by allocating air time and telecasts to further promote and publicise Iban music,” he said.
He also called on all Iban music fans to work closely with one another so that the music industry could thrive and be able to withstand the test of time.
“Above all, let us forge a common interest and goal to place Iban music on par with the standard of music of other
ethnic races in our country and hopefully one day be able to showcase Iban music and talents in the international arena.”