Rhoma Irama

Rhoma Irama, serving as lead vocalist, elevated the music of Indonesia to modern contemporary levels. Working alongside The Soneta Group and fellow artists Elvy Sukaesih and Evie Tamala, he converted the traditional repertoire once performed by the Malay Orchestra into the updated, beat-driven, dance-oriented style known as dangdut. Although rock supplied a dominant spark, Irama retained strong ties to urban Arab pop, Indian film music, and orkes melayu, the latter blending Malaysian and Western ingredients. Emerging from an impoverished childhood, he harnessed his commanding voice to rank among Indonesia’s most commercially triumphant artists. In 1980 he took the starring role in the film Perjuangan Dan Do’A (Struggle And Prayer), widely viewed as the first Islamic rock movie. Throughout much of the 1980s his songs served as vehicles for Islamic evangelism. Identifying with Muslim grievances against the new order, he openly backed the PPP political party, stumped during general-election cycles, and performed at campaign rallies. Consequently, TVRI barred him from broadcast appearances while authorities ringed his live shows with stringent security measures. During the 1990s Irama redirected his allegiance toward the new order, playing a pivotal role in that regime’s renewed outreach to Muslim communities.