The final article for our “Interview” in this year-end special is taken from the session we had with one of the Indonesian pioneers. A powerful duo from the city of Yogyakarta – Indonesia, Dubyouth. A very warm yet friendly session we had that we are so happy to share with you.

This charismatic duo from the city of Yogyakarta have long carved their work into the Indonesian Jamaican sound scene. Beautiful intertwine between the duet of an agile music producer and the eminent mastermind indeed brings a great force that enriches the Indonesian music-sphere. Their suggestive kind of works always come with a very poshy propaganda. Born on April 20, Heru Wahyono or better known as Heruwa a.k.a Poppa T as the frontman, is one of the role models from the Jamaican sound scene in Indonesia. He is also very well known for his energetic shows in every gig he headlined. Meanwhile, Andy Zulfan a.k.a Metzdub is very well noted for his managerial skill for any band he managed. He is such a music conductor that is very much capable of bringing a well orchestrated show, majestic. This duet is such an Indonesian modern troubadour, turning the “poems” of their fanbase into joyful “song” all over the dancefloor, wherever and whenever they are partying.

Esprit de corps ala SYD

Dubyouth should be noted as one of the Jamaican sound music units in the country that succeeded in embracing many fans from various kinds of music lovers to enjoy their music. Every gig they headlined, always crowded with many kinds of music lovers, gathered up with love, and danced well to the very last drop. This is one of the important elements of Dubyouth which then indirectly encourages the growth and development of this subculture in Indonesia. Dubyouth brings the exemplary how to gather in the name of music. They did it like It was their DNA they had since their birth. They answered our question of how this unit was born, Metzdub recounts:

“The First time when The Dubyouth made, The first goal was just to play (at a gig), so the kids could come, and join (To have fun) with us”

Stormy Riddim Stylee

Another worthy element that need to be taking a note is, Dubyouth’s track which is still stand like a powerful mantra to set the dance floor on fire since its release in 2005, “Bomb Da Town”. The song, which immediately became a heavy rotation on Geronimo radio (Yogyakarta) was massively downloaded at its prime release, even during the era of copyleft the copyright in many internet cafes, Bomb Da Town was one of the songs that was always sought after. Until finally, the National music magazine Trax included this song into an album of various artist projects which led Dubyouth to expand their fanbase nationwide. Answering us about this, Heruwa explained; 

“Actually, I can’t really define what kind of music (“Bomb Da Town”) is. The song just came out of my head. I just started from the beat, the bassline and finalised it with my vocal track”

Heruwa then added that when Dubyouth started, information was still very limited, the references they gathered were the likes of King Tubby and Lee Perry. While no other music unit from Indonesia has played the same music at that time.

“We knew them (Tubby & Perry) around the 2000s. Only then did we know that the music they play, with a big sound, is called a sound system. From there, we got to know dancehall, ragga, Drum and Bass and Jungle which eventually became the musical foundation for Dubyouth”

From the jamming room they created themselves, and in a spirit of wide musical exploration, Dubyouth began their journey. From the groovebox and live sampling via walkman, as well as an open mind-attitude into any musical infusions, Dubyouth’s repertoire was born, which later became a dancing spell from their magic wand to set the dance floor on fire. They really have inspired many musical units in the country after them.

 

Another note from Dubyouth’s journey is that they became one of the units that pioneered the volatility of the Jamaican sound scene in the country into more well spread and even expanded to the inter-continental scale. This duo’s stormy riddim already flew across Asia and Europe. Responding to the role they had that become one of the triggers to the growth of the Jamaican sound scene in the country, Metzdub wisely commented:

“Yeah, it’s nicer right now. Sustainable. There have been many (music) from other cities appear in Indonesia. This sustainability is very delight”

In line with Metzdub’s statement, Heruwa laughingly added:

“We just need to wait for a giant sound system (in Indonesia). Apart from that, everything is fine.”

Kultur was so pleased to conduct the interviews with a love-to-share and friendly duo. They also shared their wisdom and advice to us. And some insights from them about Dubyouth too. A small pack of articles we’d like to share with you, happily.

There are many other elements from this duo that must be underlined besides the story above. Among other things, the whole package of Dubyouth’s work of art which they shared all through their journey. A kind of work that made them earn a big appreciation from many music lovers and their fans. Something that is not only available on the dancefloor. Their very first video was just released in 2018. A music video that embedded a very essential and phenomenal idea. In collaboration with Lepaskendali Labs, Heruwa directed the music video for the song “Roots” with Yohanes Catur Nugroho. As a result, they bring a music video of motion graphics and visual mapping on lots of buildings in the city of Yogyakarta by Gilang Kusuma Wardhana. An important gift for Dubyouth fans. They also did share some kind of direct interaction through their fanbase with a remix contest for the single “Ba ba boom”, another trigger for many other musicians after them.

Heruwa and Metzdub then consecutively share with us about what they want to achieve in the near future and upcoming work for their fans. Heruwa hinted us something with a smile:

“Soon, we will bring more people to be involved, musically. But I can’t talk more about that”

To which Metzdub immediately added with a burst of laughter:

“I would like to make the president to see us (playing), The president of Mexico”

The Royal Sound

The energy from this very cultured duo really comes in many aspects. It’s a spontaneous thing, but it comes from their artistic state of mind. Like what’s Heruwa’s insight about the showmanship and the physical excellency. Heruwa is one of the frontman of many music units in the country who always appear with his dapper attire and his maximum acrobatic vocals. He told us that he believed that everyone who came to the show should be entertained very well.

“People come all the way to see the artists, they might ride from anywhere. When the artists dress well, it means they respect the people who come for them. Likewise with The physical fitness. As for me, I have to keep my vocal shape, do exercises to maintain it. At least, that could make us be able to party more and longer. Good music and good style is a deadly combo. They belong to each other”

To what the frontman shared to us, Metzdub added:

“Yes, that (thing) will eventually shape up the character as well”

That’s the summary of our interview with one of the icons that inspired lots of Jamaican sound movements in the country. A musical unit that is attached to the wisdom of camaraderie, a music unit that has a broad explorative mind, a music unit that is so earthy, inspiring and culturally aware!

Even the name Dubyouth itself comes from one of the local wisdoms of the city of Yogyakarta, a vernacular called “Hanacaraka Walik.” Dubyouth is a malapropism of the word “dabyut” which means “masrum” (mushroom). An encryption created by the ancestors from Yogyakarta who at that time had to hide many things from colonialism, as one of their cultures of resistance. An encryption that is in line with the cypher made by Kevin Mitnick, a high profile hacker in the 1990s. From our amateur writing room, we believe that Dubyouth is a very well cultured and advanced music unit. For what Dubyouth has shared and prepared for their upcoming works, in the style of Hanacaraka Walik. . .
“Paka pama bagu nyaga, Yethid!!”
(Sam)