Jakarta’s Hijabi Heavy Metal Band Voice of Baceprot Makes History at UK’s Glastonbury Festival
Voice of Baceprot, the all-female hijabi heavy metal band from Garut, West Java, is set to make history as the first Indonesian act to perform at the iconic Glastonbury Festival in the UK next week.
Trailblazing Career
After more than a decade in the music industry, Voice of Baceprot was recently named in Forbes Asia’s 30-Under-30 list. The band has toured Europe and the US, and released their debut album last year.
Mission Through Music
With lyrics addressing issues like gender inequality and climate change, the trio hopes to make a positive impact on the world for future generations. Lead singer and guitarist Marsya stated, “We care about what’s happening around us and we want to make the world a better place for the generations after us.”
Excitement and Pride
Expressing their excitement and pride about being the first Indonesian musicians to perform at Glastonbury, the band is set to take the Woodsies stage on June 28, sharing the spotlight with renowned artists like Coldplay and Dua Lipa.
Cultural Representation
Voice of Baceprot aims to uplift Indonesian culture through their music, incorporating tonal elements from Sundanese music, their ethnic origins. The band sings in a mix of English, Indonesian, and Sundanese, embracing their roots and heritage.
Breaking Stereotypes
Formed in 2014 at an Islamic boarding school, the band has been breaking stereotypes about Muslims and Islam. Despite facing prejudice, they have gained recognition from music legends like Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine.
Government Support
Recognizing their achievements, the Indonesian government is supporting Voice of Baceprot’s UK trip as a form of soft diplomacy. Indonesian ambassador to the UK, Desra Percaya, commended the band for representing Indonesia on a global stage.