Getting to Know Ndarboy Genk, Who Used to Sell Nasi Pecel and Didn't Sell Well - Creating Songs Since Junior High School

Kapanlagi.com - Dangdut music in Javanese language is increasingly popular among music lovers in the country. Since the era of The Godfather of Broken Heart Didi Kempot who made a comeback in the 2019s, until now Javanese dangdut music remains a hit in the hands of young musicians. As evidence, just take a look at the trending music on YouTube. As this news is released, the fact is that the list of trending music is dominated by dangdut singers who sing in Javanese language.

Let's mention musicians from East Java such as Denny Caknan, Happy Asmara, Nella Kharisma, Via Vallen, Tasya Rosmala, Yeni Inka, and many more. Not to mention musicians from Banyuwangi such as Wandra Restusiyan, Vita Alvia, Illux ID, and Syahiba Saufa.

Often referred to as the city of art and students, Yogyakarta also contributes to becoming a 'producer' of Javanese dangdut singers in the national music industry. Guyon Waton, NDX AKA, Om Wawes, Pendhoza, Woro Widowati, and Ndarboy Genk.

The latest name has been quite well-known since 2019 with singles like Tibo Mburi, Aku Sing Duwe Ati, and Balungan Kere. Recently, Ndarboy Genk skyrocketed with the song Mendung Tanpo Udan. Interestingly, the song went viral on three major platforms: YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

Interestingly, there are still some music fans in the country who are not familiar with Ndarboy Genk. Ndarboy Genk is a solo project by a musician from Yogyakarta named Helarius Daru Indrajaya. According to the Youtube channel Denny Caknan, let's take a look at interesting facts about Ndarboy Genk in the following article. Stay tuned until the end!

1. The First Javanese Musician to Appreciate Denny Caknan's Work

It was revealed that Ndarboy Genk is the first Javanese musician to pay attention to Denny Caknan's work. At that time, the song Kartonyono Medot Janji started to be loved by music lovers in the country.

"Ndarboy Genk is the first Javanese musician to appreciate Denny Caknan's work. We have been career fighters since the beginning. So, in 2018, Ndarboy Genk commented on the song Kartonyono Medot Janji. I (Denny Caknan) was asked to go to Jogja (Ndarboy Genk's hometown). There, we stayed at Ndarboy's house and learned about social media and Youtube," said Denny Caknan.

2. Meaning of the Name Ndaru

This man's full name is Helarius Daru Indrajaya, but he is also known as Ndaru. In the podcast, they suddenly discussed about light. It turns out, Ndaru accidentally explained the meaning of his name to the singer of Sugeng Dalu.

"Wahyu means yellow light, while Ndaru means blue light. My name is Ndaru, it means blue light," said Ndarboy Genk to Denny Caknan.

3. Music School Since High School, Creating Songs Since Junior High School

Apparently, the beautiful lyrics and notations of Ndarboy Genk's songs come from his educational background, which is closely related to music.

"I studied in the field of Music Education, so I was planned to become a teacher in the field of music art," Ndarboy Genk explained.

"So, you've been making songs since college?" asked Denny Caknan.

"Since junior high school, I've been making songs, hip hop dangdut. In high school, I also studied music, I attended the Yogyakarta School of Music. I delved into classical music," Ndarboy Genk answered.

4. Four Siblings, Used to Sell Pecel Rice

Ndarboy Genk told Denny Caknan about his family. Apparently, there is an interesting fact about Ndarboy Genk's journey to success. He had to sell pecel rice to pay for his tuition fees. 

"I am the first child of four siblings. I sell pecel rice while studying," said Ndarboy Genk.

"So, you sell pecel rice? Oh, really?" Denny Caknan seemed to not believe his friend's words.

"Yes, I sell pecel rice near Semarang State University, I sell it by myself," answered Ndarboy Genk.

Denny Caknan still doubted the fact. He confirmed the fact again. He also asked if Ndarboy Genk sold it alone and whether his merchandise sold well.

"Yes, alone, and it didn't sell well," answered Ndarboy Genk while laughing hysterically. 

5. Debt to Hendra Kumbara

When talking about his experience selling nasi pecel, Ndarboy Genk also mentioned the name Hendra Kumbara. Apparently, Hendra Kumbara is a friend who helped Ndarboy Genk when he was facing difficulties. 

"So when the pecel stall was empty, I went busking. At that time, I was with Mas Hendra, Hendra Kumbara who sang the song Dalan Liyane. At that time, Mas Hendra was my senior. He had performed at a wedding event. At that time, I saved the money from busking and selling to cover the recording costs. I often borrowed money from him for recording expenses, which sometimes were still insufficient," Ndarboy Genk recalled.

6. Reasons Why Denny Caknan Doesn't Sell His Songs

Apparently, Ndarboy Genk has had a great influence on Denny Caknan's career. Denny Caknan admitted that the song Kartonyono Medot Janji was once offered by someone for millions of rupiah. At that time, Ndarboy Genk was the person who strongly prohibited Denny Caknan from selling his song.

"There was someone who offered 12 million for the song Kartonyono Medot Janji. Meanwhile, I had a debt of 120 million. Logically, I should have accepted the money. But this person (Ndarboy Genk) whispered to me that I should hold onto this song," said Denny Caknan.

"Den, don't release a cover of this song (Kartonyono Medot Janji). Let everyone know that this is your original song," this was Ndarboy Genk's advice to Denny Caknan at that time.

Now, Ndarboy Genk's struggle has paid off. Some of his songs have been accepted and enjoyed by music lovers in the country. 

(kpl/cvn/ums)