It’s officially a wrap

Here is the third and last part in my series of articles concerning Brunei’s Micbandits (previous stories were published in the Borneo Bulletin’s Weekend editions; the first of which appeared in the November 7, 2009 issue)

For those who missed the introductions, the dream team comprise three arguably lucky, yet commendably talented and deservingly successful Bruneian hip-hoppers – Zaed Hani / Zed Peace, Fakhri Ishak or The Kro as he is better known in the local music scene, and Asnawi Hamid aka Khaos.

The young men who intend to “keep it real” have indeed come a long way since their first ‘Retrospective EP’ underground release three years ago. Now, they are upcoming artistes under Malaysia’s Kartel Records, who has also hailed them as the Future of Southeast Asian Hip-Hop.

On Saturday night last week (Nov 14), the trio proudly presented their “It’s A Wrap” event inside Rizqun International Hotel to announce the crossover, as well as to – rather admirably – reward their loyal fans, friends, followers and all supporters, among many other objectives.

The evening began with so much promise that was delivered right to the end of a long, gratifying night. In addition to special appearances from Mr David Tee, the Vice President of Kartel Records, along with top Malaysian star Altimet, the showcase also featured some performances from other big acts.

Hosted by Pelangi 91.4 FM’s popular DJ Zayn (who also graces the front cover of widely distributed Copycat magazine’s latest and current issue), the showcase witnessed the exceptional talents of A Band Once, Layzee Clan, MNC, One D and top Projectunes artistes, to name but a few.

From my perspective as an audience member seated close to the Songket Hall’s stage, it was a cool, energetic and colourful programme, highly complemented by the dancers (from Next Element, B2BR, Rhythm Fusion and Liquidicezz) as well as clothes kindly sponsored by Wardrobes Inc and Flesh Imp.

Within this week, I managed to contact some of the performers involved to get their feedbacks and own personal opinions on what I felt was a very successful showcase, the day after an appreciation dinner organised at the Function Room of Mameh restaurant.

“First of all, we’d like to thank the Bandits for inviting us to open the show, and for being supportive of us despite the difference in musical genre,” wrote Faizul, the high-profile frontman and lead vocalist of famous award-winning rockers, A Band Once.

And as for the Future of Southeast Asian Hip-Hop? “It was only meant to be – they have never ceased to amaze us all with their beats and rhymes,” he replied. “The event’s reception was also unbelievable! It just goes to prove that our community does support local acts, which was lacking a few years ago.

“The coolest moment that night was when we got to hear the Bandits ‘freestyling’ with an amazing beat-boxer (a volunteer attendee). The photo booth sessions were also amazing, while Reza Mustaffa’s (premiered) ‘Cantik Rupamu’ is the ‘dopest’ music video ever made by a Bruneian!”

Meanwhile, the versatile singer Khairy Khamis, who pleasantly surprised even myself that evening with his hip-hop turn alongside Layzee Clan, added, “Honestly, I am inspired by their journey and to have got this far

“Knowing about their breakthrough outside the country just gives me so much hope – that other artistes can achieve it, too. The first time I met them was actually during rehearsals. They were so helpful and I love their style. They really represent, and I’m also impressed by their fluency in English.

“Though I didn’t get to talk to Micbandits all that much, I would just like to say congratulations to them for making it this far – and don’t stop! This is just the beginning. We would like to hear more from Micbandits in years to come, and I’d be so happy for the chance to collaborate with them one day.”

Juju, another well-known personality gifted with a big voice, who was a runner-up in the first season of P2F and one of the artistes under Projectunes, said to me, “They’ve got raw talent and confidence. Micbandits are also good for young Bruneians to look up to.

“What with their raw talents, expressions, open minds and awesome freestylin’ These are good-looking, respectful guys with manners. I think they really deserve to get and be where they are now. And I am absolutely proud of them!

“I am beyond a doubt privileged to have known and worked with them all, including their manager ‘Moody’. All the best for their upcoming new album and future gigs… We will always be behind y’all to support and give encouragement. A million thanks, too, for the opportunities they gave me.”

Lastly, I invited the superstars themselves to give us their final statement: “To see such a big crowd, all cheering and having a great time – it was a sight to behold. We are very humbled by the love and support from everybody, and we’re very proud to be representing Brunei’s hip-hop.

“Do watch out for our next album – ‘Heads or Tales’!” they concluded. To follow their progress and for contacts or further information, check out www.microbandits.com, www.kartellohello.com and www.twitter.com/micbandits.

The future, especially for Brunei’s arts / entertainment / music scene, it seems, just got glaringly brighter… My heartiest, sincerest thanks, congratulations and best wishes also go out to the wonderful – and sensational – Micbandits. It’s a wrap!

Latest by Aiden Adams:

number of view: 704