KUCHING: Ever heard of Iban punk music?
A local band is making waves by bringing the language to the punk scene with its raw energy.
RadakNyawa is shaking up Sarawak’s alternative rock scene with the release of their latest live album, “RadakNyawa: Live Rehearsal @ Studio 23”, a 2024 collection of seven high energy tracks that solidify the band’s reputation for a rebellious sound delivered uniquely in the Iban language.
One of the standout tracks, “Tu Meh RadakNyawa Kami”, is a fast paced, electrifying anthem that echoes the spirit of 1980s punk.
Its intro, reminiscent of God Save the Queen by the Sex Pistols, showcases the band’s deep rooted punk influences, while its 2 minute and 8 second runtime makes it the shortest track on the album, featuring a straightforward chord progression that is accessible even to beginner guitarists.
Lyrically, the song embodies RadakNyawa’s identity and determination to command attention at every performance, whether on a small stage or at major events such as Coco Rocks, held at Coco Cabana, Miri, on Aug 3 2024, and organised by WAK (What About Kuching) Music Portal.
The band, consisting of frontman Ben Jr as vocalist and guitarist, T-Rence on drums, and Barraw on bass, brings together its diverse musical backgrounds that contribute to a distinctive sound standing out in Sarawak’s independent music scene.
According to Ben Jr, through the lyrics he creates for RadakNyawa’s songs, he aims to elevate the Iban language to a universal level, transforming it into a diverse form of artistic expression.
