Singer Katon takes center stage -- as poet

Singer Katon takes center stage -- as poet

JAKARTA (JP): The lyrics of Katon Bagaskara's songs are
poetic, but can his lyrics really be called poems?

Katon had prepared himself for the question at the launch of
his new book Bulan Dibuai Awan. Puisi-puisi pilihan Katon
Bagaskara on Thursday at Bentara Budaya Jakarta.

"Poems are any expression of feelings through words. Thus, I
can call my lyrics poems," he said.

"I don't claim to be as great as Chairil Anwar, Subagio
Sastrowardoyo or Sapardi Djoko Damono, nor do I want to compete
with the poets. I am in the first place a pop musician who has
loved reading poems since childhood and loves making poetic
lyrics for my songs," he claimed.

The book, published by PT Gramedia Pustaka Utama, contains 22
poems, including 21 lyrics of his hits like Yogyakarta and Negeri
di Awan. The poems are mainly about love.

The hard-cover, full-color book looks like a piece of art
itself. Each poem is written in different letters on different
page design. Each page is filled with sketches and illustrations,
made by graphic artist Dimas Djayadiningrat. Katon's photograph
was taken by photographer Firdaus Fadlul. No wonder the price is
high, Rp 23,000 (US$10) a copy.

Gramedia has printed 7,000 copies. Seeing he has a large
number of fans, Katon is optimistic that his book will sell well.
His last album alone Negeri di Awan sold 450,000 copies.

If Katon's poetry book sells well, it will be a good lesson
for all the poets in this country, who have never succeeded in
selling their books. Sing the poems first in pop songs, then
compile the lyrics. (jsk)