BUDAK Nakal Hujung Simpang, a local band known for melding Nusantara elements with reggae and ska music, has launched a music video for their single 'Labu'.
The video clip of their performance – directed by Aqil Muaz – was made available on YouTube last week (July 31) and is a track taken off their upcoming album, which is expected soon.
According to the band, the song was composed by the 11-piece band's alto saxophone player Amirul Hakim, and is inspired by a real-life incident in which he found himself deceived after being "too trusting" and falling victim to false promises.
The band's frontman John Bear said the track references the Malay folklore of 'Si Luncai dan Labu-Labunya' (Luncai and his pumpkins), the tale of a straight-laced man who was sentenced to death for accidentally insulting a cruel ruler.
"In the perspective of globalisation, people are akin to (the character) Luncai who always aspires, while the government is (symbolically) a pumpkin, which constantly sows promises," John said in a statement.
"In the water, the pumpkin will drift together and still be able to float, but the one who suffers from the consequences is surely Luncai, the unworthy servant."
John – who wrote the lyrics to the track – said the social critique embedded in this song is an attempt at sharing feelings and personal experiences, while encouraging listeners to remind themselves not to be easily deceived by the world.
The track was recorded at the infamous Kamar Seni Studio, under the supervision of Ag Coco, of the band Hujan, and Emeirul Ashraf.
Despite composing the song, Amirul was not part of the recording session as he had to attend to family affairs and was not in the same locality as the group at the time. However, the band enlisted saxophonist Syed Syamer in his place.
John also said the illustrations done for the track was created by graphic artist Lizzie Zany, while the release of the upcoming second album was assisted by culture and arts agency Cendana. – The Vibes, August 8, 2021
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