Inspired by the Late Didi Kempot, These 2 Beautiful American Women Become Pedangdut Singers

Kapanlagi.com - You are mistaken if you think that the songs by the late Didi Kempot are also booming in Indonesia. Apparently, in America, the songs by the 'Godfather of Broken Heart' are also quite popular. Believe it or not, there are already 2 women from Pennsylvania, United States who have decided to become pedangdut singers because they were inspired by the works of the late Didi Kempot.

These two women are named Kristin D and Joelina Bee. They were initially introduced to Didi Kempot's songs by a music producer named Rissa Asnan. And since then, they have shown interest in the campursari and dangdut genres.

"Actually, it's quite strange how I first got to know dangdut music. At that time, I was on a business trip in California. There, I met Rissa. She introduced me to dangdut music about three years ago," said Joelina Bee in an interview with Liputan6.com on the Inspirato The Legends program via live streaming, Monday (15/6/2020).

1. Kristin D's Journey to Pursue the World of Dangdut

Unlike Joel, Kristin was immediately offered the opportunity to learn Indonesian language and music from the beginning. Because she loves music, Kristin accepted the 'challenge'.

"So the story begins when I met Rissa. She is a dangdut producer in America and the creator of the film Dangdut 101. She asked me if I wanted to learn Indonesian music," recalled Kristin D in a separate interview on the same program.

"Of course I wanted to. I love music, I love musicals, and I'm not afraid to learn another language," she continued.

2. Not Understanding the Meaning of Didi Kempot's Songs

When Joel first listened to Didi Kempot's songs, he admitted that he didn't understand the lyrics at all. However, his heart was immediately moved because he could feel the emotions expressed in the songs.

"What makes it special is that even though I don't know the meaning of the lyrics, there are a lot of emotions involved in the song. You can feel it when you're sad or happy, you feel the vibrations in the song," explained Joelina.

3. Connected Through Didi Kempot's Works

Just like Joel, Kristin also doesn't understand the meaning of Didi Kempot's songs. However, she believes that the maestro's works have the ability to emotionally connect with listeners.

"So, I have a background in musical theater where there are many fairy tales, romantic dramas, love stories. And I'm glad he can incorporate them into his songs, and everyone can connect with the music. And it really makes me feel connected, even though I don't understand all the words. I can feel the deep emotions through his music," said Kristin D.

4. Memorizing Didi Kempot's Songs

Kristin admits that she is currently still learning Indonesian and singing dangdut songs. However, so far, she can easily memorize the songs of the late Didi Kempot.

"I don't know why. I don't know the meaning of the language. It's very funny. I can listen to his music and quickly learn to memorize it. I listen to it again. I can't speak Javanese. I want to learn Indonesian but I'm just starting to learn, please forgive me," joked Kristin.

5. Can Feel the Emotions in Didi Kempot's Songs

Credit: Instagram/joelina.bee

Joel even understands if Didi Kempot is dubbed as the 'Godfather of Broken Heart' in Indonesia. And according to him, it is very appropriate because for him, the maestro's songs are able to move the hearts of the listeners.

"I like everything, like how the genre can blend with the music, you know he is the Godfather of Broken Heart? So many emotions are involved in his songs. I mean, I really feel those emotions when listening to his songs," continued Joelina.

6. Referring to Didi Kempot's Songs as National Heritage

When asked about favorite songs, Kristin admitted to liking Tatu, Sewu Kuto, and Pamer Bojo. Meanwhile, Joel adores Kalung Emas and Stasiun Balapan. And at the end of the conversation, Kristin praised the late Didi Kempot.

"I believe he is a heritage with all of his songs. There is no work of his that will not become famous, and a heritage with his charity work. Everything he did made every place better. I think everyone remembers him with his passion in music," concluded Kristin.

(lip/gtr)