Reasons why I love being a songwriter:
Music truly is a universal language.
When I released 'Siboh Kitak Nangis' (meaning Don't You Cry) on my 2nd album 'Ghostbird', I was faced with many doubtful questions from Malaysians (I don't need to tell you which part Msia these Q's came from), who asked me things like, "Wahhh~ berani eh you letak lagu Sarawak dalam album you?" and "So is this a way to prove you're more Malaysian?" (Whut, bro?) I thought to myself, this was just a song I wrote about comforting yourself, or others, and telling them that every hardship shall pass, chin up, don't worry, I'll be by your side if you need me, come rain, thunder or lightning, I will be with you... BUT it just so happens to be in my native dialect of Bahasa Sarawak.
I remember hearing praises about it from my record label and particularly my producer Mario Caldato (Mario C) and how excited they were to be hearing this beautiful language, and their faith in the song made my heart melt.
When the song finally released, and hearing those things from my fellow countrymen shocked me to the core.
Of course, not everyone thought like that... Members of the media were very kind and I have been told that the song went on to inspire many more artistes and Sarawakian artistes to embrace our culture and language... Which to me, meant that that was my job as a songwriter done. 'Siboh Kitak Nangis' then went on to be become the first Bahasa Sarawak song on an international album, on rotation on NPR radio stations in the US and was also featured in Korean dramas, and also just like in this video, appreciated by people of different parts of the world who do not even remotely know what it means, just by the sentiments of the song that they're hearing.
This is Gina, New York born and raised to parents of Haiti Island. Singing in the Sarawakian language flawlessly.
My darlings, in music, there is no limit. No one makes the rules. It depends on what you want to achieve and express. Sing the language of your hearts, your souls, and mind not about "making it the market", truth is, someone, somewhere, needs to hear it, and feel like they are loved and not alone.❤️ On that note: OOHHHAAAAA🌺!
producer npr 在 NPR Extra - Anjuli Sastry is the host, co-producer, and... 的推薦與評價
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