When three Indonesian teenage girls formed a metal band a decade ago to sing about gender equality and peace over bone-crunching guitars and drums, they could hardly have imagined playing at Glastonbury. Yet, this week, Voice of Baceprot, comprising three Muslim women, will become the first band from Indonesia to perform at the world-renowned festival in Britain, sharing the stage with headliners like Coldplay and Dua Lipa.
Their upcoming set at Glastonbury marks a significant milestone in a career that has seen Firda Kurnia (guitar and vocals), Widi Rahmawati (bass), and Euis Siti Aisah (drums) amass a substantial fanbase while challenging gender norms in Indonesia’s male-dominated society.
“Honestly, Glastonbury was never on our wishlist because it felt like too high a dream,” Euis, 24, told AFP. “I am half in disbelief. That’s why we keep checking whether it’s the official Glastonbury or if someone pranked us.”
Voice of Baceprot, which means “noisy” in Sundanese, an Indonesian traditional language, began in a village near the West Javan city of Garut. They initially gained fans with their raucous covers of Rage Against the Machine and later with their original material. Their rise to fame caught the attention of international superstars, including Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, who once tweeted his admiration for the band.
Despite having played in the United States and Europe, including at the famous Wacken metal festival in Germany, the band members are feeling the nerves ahead of their Glastonbury performance. “Hopefully, my nervousness is a reminder for me to be more prepared,” said Euis.
Voice of Baceprot has faced criticism from Muslim conservatives in Indonesia, who disapprove of the fact that they are women and claim their clothing is inappropriate. However, the band has remained steadfast in their beliefs, using their music to respond to detractors. Their biggest hit, “God, Allow Me (Please) to Play Music,” has garnered millions of plays on YouTube and Spotify and directly addresses those who say women should not play such music.
The band also tackles other pressing issues in their songs, including climate change and women’s rights. “We create songs based on what we see, hear, read, and experience ourselves,” said Firda.
The group’s rise to fame has brought unexpected challenges, including “obsessed” fans who are curious about every aspect of their lives. Some fans have even shown up at their homes in an attempt to meet them. “We’re like, ‘OK, maybe this is one of the job’s risks.’ Our families sometimes get confused,” said Firda, 24.
Voice of Baceprot formed in 2014 and initially played at small festivals around West Java, one of Indonesia’s most conservative provinces. They later moved to the capital, Jakarta, and performed online concerts during the COVID-19 pandemic. The band has since returned to their hometown, where they are building their own studio.
Widi mentioned that the band has received numerous offers to play abroad. However, as they prepare for the biggest show of their lives at Worthy Farm in southwest England, Voice of Baceprot has a dream that remains close to home. “We actually really want to tour Indonesia,” said Widi. “But we haven’t had the opportunity yet.”
Source: AFP
