For almost three years the covid 19 pandemic has lethargic the euphoria and boisterousness of live music concerts. Luckily it didn’t stop or impede the spirit of artists and musicians to keep on moving and be more productive. Passionately some young musicians from Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia held Flores Reggae Festival (FRF), a virtual concert, on November 10th 2021 which was supported by Bronik Media and Gas riddim. Under the theme “From Flores for Indonesia: One Love One Heart” they spread a positive reggae vibration wrapped in local culture which they presented to their home country and the world. The virtual concert aims at inspiring and motivating musicians locally and globally to be more productive and consistent in doing their creativity despite the pandemic situation but by full responsibility to obey government regulation of health protocol. Furthermore, of course, Flores Reggae Festival (FRF) becomes a media to promote local culture and tourism.  

Reggae music that has become a world heritage is contextually appropriate to the local culture and practices to maintain their cultural authenticity and identity. Ivan Nestorman, a local artist and musician stated that Flores has many potential musicians who chose reggae as their main foothold. It can be seen in the lines up of bands that participated in this virtual concert which came from various places in the country and abroad like Australia and Germany.

Starting from Ende, a place known by its national historical site and its three colours lake, ‘Kelimutu,’ comes Invia as the opening act playing their single hit ‘Indonesia Timur’ (East Indonesia). The verses glorify the beauty of Eastern Indonesia and the hospitality of its people as a welcoming-greetings to the audience. 

In the second line up there is Havana playing ‘Mo Mendhe’ in local language (Lio). The strong reggae flavour with solid vocal harmony hipnotizes the body to move and dance.

Going to Maumere which is identical with its traditional woven fabric, comes Postman Mof who play their two classic roots reggae hits: ‘Tua Rubi Kubang,’ a rendition of traditional chanting and ‘Moftown Rock.’

Another fantastic and unique attraction comes from a traditional orchestra band, ‘Leis Plang’ who used traditional instruments like ukulele, guitar, beaten bass guitar (‘Teren’ in local language), banjo, djembe and tambourin. They performed two songs: ‘Nong Didi’ and ‘Sora’ (Song of mior dadin).

The next performance from Lembata which is famous for its local whale hunting tradition (‘kotakunma’ in local language) comes Gutty Lazar who performed his single hit with Gasa Riddim, ‘Bolikana.’ Not to miss a performance by Lembata Hip Hop Foundation who demonstrate their eloquent skills bragging in rhymes and rhythm about their pride upon their birthplace through two hits: ‘Lembata Saja Le’ and ‘Lomblen Punya Rap.’

The representation from Bajawa which is well known by its megaliths heritage of Bena Bajawa village is Walla Roots playing their melodious ragga muffin song ‘Lion Roar.’ Meanwhile from Larantuka there is Niwan with their two traditional songs ‘Tambelarinano’ and ‘Ona Mina te.’

From Larantuka we go to Manggarai in Pagal, a place known with its vast spider-web shaped rice fields. Here we have Arye de Siul with his band Fraternity Soul playing two songs about their concern on the environmental crisis. 

R2 from Reo invites the audience to dance to their song ‘Dance.’ While from Nagekeo, a place of traditional boxing attraction (Ettu in local language) is Akurasi with their single hit ‘Ada Tana.’

From the beautiful island of Labuan Bajo there are Benald Abar and Charles Dafosa coming to hit the audience with their ska hit ‘This is my paradise,’ promoting the exotic nature of Flores island. While Cikal Ramli and Neighbours play their instrumental roots reggae ‘Riddim Kampung.’

Coming as a representation of Flores from Germany, Joseph plays his single underlining his identity as an ‘Island man.’ And from Australia we have Uncle B making a call to acknowledge the power of reggae music in ‘Reggae Unites People,’ the premise which is the main characteristic and nature in the music. 

Anthony D and Brother Joe come to represent the island of gods, Bali with their collaboration single ‘Freedom Fighters.’ A social criticism wrapped in acoustic rhythm and ragga muffin style.

An appreciation and tribute to the late Black Finit, a reggae musician from Maumere in Yogyakarta, comes through his song ‘Biar Waktu Bicara’ (Let the time tell). While another representation from the royal city is Ded & Friends with their song, ‘Gak Pasti Pasti.’ 

Jakarta closes the virtual concert with four big names. Nonq Nongkray comes with his two acoustic songs ‘Ayo ke Flores’ and ‘Kita Bisa Kita Kuat.’ Not to be outdone, Big Lion jerks out the peak of the event with their two dancehall tunes ‘Wake Up’ and ‘Beta.’ While Conrad Good Vibration and Yohma ‘Ragga’ Poli lock down the party with three hits, ‘Bersatu’ (Unite), ‘Riddim of Love,’ and ‘Humanity Crisis.’ Their songs voice out and justify the hope of Eda Magdalena Tukan, an activist and one of the resource persons in the concert who states that: “reggae must live and must exist to compete with other music to represent and introduce local and national culture to the world. Reggae also must be able to speak out about human rights.” Be consistent and joyous to Flores Reggae.

Thank you for the virtual concert for Indonesia and the world. See you in the next Flores Reggae Festival and hopefully it will be held live onsite and direct from Flores, ‘the singing island.’
(Yedi)