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By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Aug 18: Bekikis Bulu Betis is one of the most recognisable Iban songs popularised by Iban singer Andrewson Ngalai, with its lyrics and rhythms striking a familiar chord among Sarawakians and probably the whole country.
Despite being around since the 90s, it is still a popular song usually played during family gatherings, birthdays, weddings, and festivals, and is typically a crowd favourite when performed on stage, and this is all due to the song fitting into a niche in the music industry that allowed it to stand the test of time.
DayakDaily recently interviewed a local advocate of Iban songs and music, singer-songwriter Isa Lee, on how far the Iban music industry has come and the prospects of its entertainers.
Isa was grateful to radio stations in the mid and late 1950s for playing a significant part in playing Iban songs to listeners, which further impacted its entertainment scene until today.
“It is still a popular medium to channel these songs, and with the current internet of things and modern technology, there are more ways for people to listen to them. Compared to before, it is very encouraging and has brought many Iban talents into the music industry.
“I have no doubt radio also influenced Iban songs as we could listen to songs from Europe, the United States (US), Hong Kong, China, and even Peninsular Malaysia,” he opined.
He elaborated that this has made the Iban music industry more flexible, giving it more freedom.
“I am optimistic about our Iban music industry, and we must be able to create our own kind of niche rhythms that will be accepted globally. That way, we could be competitive.”
Isa said the future of the Iban music industry relies on initiative and creativity while preserving its culture.
“The whole community must love music and make it our culture and way of life. I encourage our Iban songwriters, artistes, and players to be productive and progressive in the industry.
“We want to be at least equivalent to the European music industry,” he said. — DayakDaily
