Indonesia's most favorite Bimbo
Indonesia's most favorite Bimbo
By Rita A. Widiadana
JAKARTA (JP): For many people, Ramadhan is the time to listen to Bimbo.
You can't get away from them. Their music fills the malls and halls of hotels, and, of course, every Moslem household.
Bandung's Bimbo Group teams the talented brothers Muhammad Samsudin Hardjakusuma (Sam Bimbo), Darmawan Hardjakusuma (Acil) and Jaka Hardjakusuma, and their youngest sister Iin Parlina.
After getting going in l967, Bimbo now has 117 pop and qasidah religious albums to its credit.
"The name Bimbo was given to us by Hamid Gruno when we first appeared on state-owned TVRI. Only years later did we learn its true meaning. Bimbo means 'poor' in Japanese, while in Mexican it means 'bread for breakfast'," Jaka disclosed.
He didn't seem to know that in English a bimbo is an attractive but empty-headed person, or a tramp.
Bimbo, which was shortened from Trio Bimbo when the brothers' sister joined, offered Indonesians an unique alternative to the 1960s rock'n'roll of the Beatles, Elvis Presley and the Rolling Stones. Trio Bimbo chose to explore folk music, accompanying their lyrics with acoustic instruments.
Born to noted journalist Raden Dayat Hardjakusuma, the musical siblings all graduated from prominent Bandung universities.
Their bold and beautiful songs grabbed the hearts of the middle and upper classes in the 1960s.
"Many people called our music intellectual. I don't know why," said Jaka.
Trio Bimbo produced the early hits Flamboyan, Melati dari Jayagiri and Telah Berdaun Rimba Jati. Many critics considered the songs to be high quality.
In the middle of l970s, Iin, who sings like top Brazilian singer Astrud Gilberto, joined the group. They produced more hits including the song Serani di Noda, about a nun who betrays her vows.
Critical
In l977, Bimbo released an album critical of Indonesian society. Tante Sun, a hit song from the album, is about the life of the rich Indonesian women who spend their money on nothing. Abang Becak, tells a sad story about a pedicab driver.
Bimbo tried to convey its message with funny lyrics, but was criticized for lowering the quality of its music.
The group also wrote songs with international themes including Surat buat Tuan Brezhnev dan Tuan Reagan (A letter for Mr. Brezhnev and Mr. Reagan).
Bimbo also performed many songs written by Titik Puspa, Iwan Abdul Rahman, and the late A. Riyanto.
In l976, Bimbo produced a qasidah album of religious songs. Prominent poet and ulema Taufiq Ismail wrote the lyrics.
"A man who can create poetic lyrics must have a deep understanding of Islam. Taufiq Ismail was the right man," he said.
Bimbo also asked ulema K.H. Zainuddin M.Z to help write religious lyrics.
The results were amazing. The simple and short lyrics touched Moslems.
Many Moslems sob when hearing Rindu Rasul (Miss the Prophet), which was jointly composed by Sam and Taufiq Ismail in the early l970s.
Musicians often write about things they don't know about. This results in meaningless songs, he said.
"We must learn how to measure our knowledge and potency," he added.
Sam admitted the group has been influenced by western music. Its early attempts echo Spanish music.
"I love the music of Queen, the Beatles, Pavarotti as well as traditional Sundanese music like Cianjuran. There is no denying that we might absorb various elements from traditional and modern music," Sam once said.
He claimed good music is universal. It should encompass all nations, people and religions.
"For me, music is a priceless gift from God and I will play it for every one," he said.
A song entitled Tuhan (God) is one of Bimbo's best. Written by Sam in l973, the song can be heard everywhere. The song is sung by both Moslem and Christian choirs.
"A group of Buddhists once asked me to play the song at one of their gatherings," Sam said.
Bimbo's audience encompasses young and old from different walks of life.
Keeping ahead of the competition isn't a problem. "We don't see younger musicians as competition, they have their own fans," Sam explained. Having a 30-year head start must help.
This Ramadhan, Indosiar Visual Mandiri asked the group to host a daily special called Irama Ramadhan (The sound of Ramadhan).
Bimbo also perform throughout Indonesia and in neighboring countries like Malaysia.
"We will play music for the rest of our lives. 'Old soldiers never die'," Sam warned.