Why I "Leave" Islamic Music and Focus on Classical (For A While)
Indonesia
0
Assalamu 'Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
Timika, August 25th 2021 | Firstly, I would like to say thank you so much for your attention to my musics during this time. I really appreciate your high appreciation to me, your support is really make me strong. I hope you are always be blessed by Allah. Aamiin.
Okay, in this blog, I really have to convey what I have to convey to you all. I know you love me because my "Islamic" music. I know it and realize it. But I know you started leave me since my biggest effort music album "New Life" release. I know what your thoughts about it.
In this post, I will tell everything which happened in my end during these times. First, I'll give you a little background. You can read it in my biography section, although it changed oftentimes, due to accurately of my information. You need to know my background. Okay, I will introduce myself. I'm Diana Susanti, an Indonesian. Born in Timika, April 6, 2003 (when this post was written, my ages is 18 years old). I'm a muslimah since first, and will defend my religion until my death. A girl from Javanese descendants, my mother is from Lamongan, East Java, and my father is from Surakarta, Central Java. But I was born and grew in my beloved city, Timika, Papua, Indonesia.
Live as Javanese people, in the land of diversity, made me have great tolerance to each other, I have friends from different backgrounds. We always accept any differences between us. But, I with my mother is religious ones, my mother is very humble, taught me anything in Islam. She is everything for me. You might read my biography, and from that, you know that I have great interest in music since elementary school. But for your information, especially, I have this interest, since I became a music conductor in my past choir team, in my past elementary school in Timika. I really fell in melodies of Indonesian National Songs, including Indonesia Raya, Syukur, Padamu Negeri, and many more. These songs were composed with classical instruments, and that's why I love classical musics.
In 2014, I moved to Lamongan, East Java. I still learnt classical music there. Especially when my parents bought me a keyboard for learning music more. I got influenced to Islamic music since Junior High School, from my friend (someday would be my husband, could be). My friend was Maher Zain's fan, his name is Angga Bassoni Al Barkah. From him, I got all connections to biggest artists in "Islamic music industry", including Raef, Hamza Namira, and Sami Yusuf.
In 2017, I, him, and all of our friends, has decided to founded a production house. We named it "ANDA Creativindo" (ANDA is acronym for ANgga and DianA, because we have the biggest influence in this company). We started our journey with try to understand lyrics from songs by major Islamic music artists. And that's why, ANDA Entertainments was translated all lyrics fluency, to provide the best meaningful of one song. We really try to revive the value of the music, while others try to looking for royalty. In March 2018, I decided to start my career as a musician. Because I was influenced by Islamic music, I started my career with singing Islamic music. Really in the production process of my songs, I never thought about royalty, I just think about how its value to its listeners. Also I asked for lyrical guidance from the local Islamic music elders, which know more which right which wrong. It continues until I get returned to my beloved city, Timika. I learned from elders so much. In the same time, I was introduced to Gospel Music Composers in one of biggest church in city by my friends. I learned so much for them too.
Let's skip to 2020, when we really start to make our music public. When "Because of You" was launched on Ramadan 1441 H (2020 AD), my music brought so many breeze to local communities in here, in Timika. In that album, I try to combine all music styles which previously I learned. Try to looking for the middle point between major religions, Islam and Christian, especially to "Because of You" song, and hope these music will be accepted universally. And that's happened, this album got accepted by them, not only from Islamic communities, but also from Christian communities.
In one night, I made a call with my foreign music teacher. I told my anxiety about Islamic music. I told him about my concern, that in most of "Islamic singers" just looking for exposure and famous, but not thinking about their music value. He told to me, the same reason why he left Awakening (same label which I ever joined, but never admitted), he said that this is their games. To retain their royalty, sale music, and gaining exposure. I felt it too since Ali Magrebi joined with them, felt that it's Awakening real face, just a profitable company. He said that I have to finish up my Islamic music.
To finish up this journey, I really need to close this with good way. That's why I produced "Alhamdulillah" song. Actually, what do you hear right now is edited version of original single. Actually, this song had Farsi lyrics, but we forcedly remove it to prevent misunderstanding of our song. And finally I release it to public as my last single in this period.
I decided to stop making music for a while. I need to focus on my education, which there are final exams that year. While making it, I still looking forward to watching the current situation about Islamic music. I really concerned with that. It really broken. I hopeless with it.
Early 2021, I got an invitation by local communities of music in Iran and Azerbaijan. In two weeks, I made my journey on those countries. There, I learned so much, about Persian and Azerbaijani Traditional Classical music. Made my vibes revived again. I really want to come back to music industry with new branding. When I was arrived at my city, I decided to discuss with my music teachers, to invite local music expertise, to join together in one musical organisation. Then, together we named it "Classiceastique". Like its name, this genre is focused on Classical. Because I have a record label, they've been agreed to help me finish my first classical instrumental album, we call it "New Life". This album also got a great acceptance from local communities, Islam and Christian. Even, one of them called me "A Girl who Uniting Differences".
But in same time, some of my audiences in West Indonesia considered me has out from Islam (Murtad). Deep in my heart, I said "Astaghfirullah". I really depressed about their false opinions. Even my mother tried make my heart strong again. She said that we can face it with smile and endurance. Because only Allah knows what deep in our hearts, she said. In the middle of the night, I always ask for His Guidance.
That's is the little background. I know you don't like my steps too. My reason why I stopped it, is, I feel I haven't deserve for it yet. I think that I sometime have some mistakes although I keep my faith. There is no anything perfect in this world but Allah. That's that I try to convey in one of my composition, titled "Sometimes Fell". Human sometimes make a mistake.
But, I promise, when I really ready to restart my journey in Islamic music, I will come back. To show them, that it's the real reason that they have to do. To inspire anyone with Faith Value-driven music. Inspiring and motivating people, and remind everyone what's really matters in our journey in this earthly life.
But for now, I want to continue my musical journey with understanding what is music really is. How music is magical way to drive anyone. Classical music is the key to unveil it. Its melodies is like a pearl in music. And also my root which from Classical music, although I mastering all of genres. For now, this is my voice, my Oud, and My Piano.
I'll back to Islamic music with Faith Value-driven music when I ready [0x1f607]
I never force you to listening my latest music (music which released on 2021 - 2024). I really not force you to listen it. If you interested to those, you can listen it, if you doesn't interested, you no need listening it. And also for disclaimer, my religion is Islam, and never change, since first I born into this world, till my death someday. I keep my faith in One God. And follow our Rasul Guidance, Muhammad (PBUH), as a path which becomes the best guidance. And also, my principal, is to spreading the peace ☮️. With No War, No Hatred, No Killing, No Oppress. Because peace is the key of everything.
Okay, thanks for reading this. I hope you understand my situation. I really need to tell you about it. Forgive me for everything my mistakes. Keep spreading peace for this lowly world. Stay safe, stay healthy. Salaam
Wa Assalamu 'Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
- Indonesian Singer-Composer, Diana Susanti
Timika, August 25th 2021 | Firstly, I would like to say thank you so much for your attention to my musics during this time. I really appreciate your high appreciation to me, your support is really make me strong. I hope you are always be blessed by Allah. Aamiin.
Okay, in this blog, I really have to convey what I have to convey to you all. I know you love me because my "Islamic" music. I know it and realize it. But I know you started leave me since my biggest effort music album "New Life" release. I know what your thoughts about it.
In this post, I will tell everything which happened in my end during these times. First, I'll give you a little background. You can read it in my biography section, although it changed oftentimes, due to accurately of my information. You need to know my background. Okay, I will introduce myself. I'm Diana Susanti, an Indonesian. Born in Timika, April 6, 2003 (when this post was written, my ages is 18 years old). I'm a muslimah since first, and will defend my religion until my death. A girl from Javanese descendants, my mother is from Lamongan, East Java, and my father is from Surakarta, Central Java. But I was born and grew in my beloved city, Timika, Papua, Indonesia.
Live as Javanese people, in the land of diversity, made me have great tolerance to each other, I have friends from different backgrounds. We always accept any differences between us. But, I with my mother is religious ones, my mother is very humble, taught me anything in Islam. She is everything for me. You might read my biography, and from that, you know that I have great interest in music since elementary school. But for your information, especially, I have this interest, since I became a music conductor in my past choir team, in my past elementary school in Timika. I really fell in melodies of Indonesian National Songs, including Indonesia Raya, Syukur, Padamu Negeri, and many more. These songs were composed with classical instruments, and that's why I love classical musics.
In 2014, I moved to Lamongan, East Java. I still learnt classical music there. Especially when my parents bought me a keyboard for learning music more. I got influenced to Islamic music since Junior High School, from my friend (someday would be my husband, could be). My friend was Maher Zain's fan, his name is Angga Bassoni Al Barkah. From him, I got all connections to biggest artists in "Islamic music industry", including Raef, Hamza Namira, and Sami Yusuf.
In 2017, I, him, and all of our friends, has decided to founded a production house. We named it "ANDA Creativindo" (ANDA is acronym for ANgga and DianA, because we have the biggest influence in this company). We started our journey with try to understand lyrics from songs by major Islamic music artists. And that's why, ANDA Entertainments was translated all lyrics fluency, to provide the best meaningful of one song. We really try to revive the value of the music, while others try to looking for royalty. In March 2018, I decided to start my career as a musician. Because I was influenced by Islamic music, I started my career with singing Islamic music. Really in the production process of my songs, I never thought about royalty, I just think about how its value to its listeners. Also I asked for lyrical guidance from the local Islamic music elders, which know more which right which wrong. It continues until I get returned to my beloved city, Timika. I learned from elders so much. In the same time, I was introduced to Gospel Music Composers in one of biggest church in city by my friends. I learned so much for them too.
Let's skip to 2020, when we really start to make our music public. When "Because of You" was launched on Ramadan 1441 H (2020 AD), my music brought so many breeze to local communities in here, in Timika. In that album, I try to combine all music styles which previously I learned. Try to looking for the middle point between major religions, Islam and Christian, especially to "Because of You" song, and hope these music will be accepted universally. And that's happened, this album got accepted by them, not only from Islamic communities, but also from Christian communities.
In one night, I made a call with my foreign music teacher. I told my anxiety about Islamic music. I told him about my concern, that in most of "Islamic singers" just looking for exposure and famous, but not thinking about their music value. He told to me, the same reason why he left Awakening (same label which I ever joined, but never admitted), he said that this is their games. To retain their royalty, sale music, and gaining exposure. I felt it too since Ali Magrebi joined with them, felt that it's Awakening real face, just a profitable company. He said that I have to finish up my Islamic music.
To finish up this journey, I really need to close this with good way. That's why I produced "Alhamdulillah" song. Actually, what do you hear right now is edited version of original single. Actually, this song had Farsi lyrics, but we forcedly remove it to prevent misunderstanding of our song. And finally I release it to public as my last single in this period.
I decided to stop making music for a while. I need to focus on my education, which there are final exams that year. While making it, I still looking forward to watching the current situation about Islamic music. I really concerned with that. It really broken. I hopeless with it.
Early 2021, I got an invitation by local communities of music in Iran and Azerbaijan. In two weeks, I made my journey on those countries. There, I learned so much, about Persian and Azerbaijani Traditional Classical music. Made my vibes revived again. I really want to come back to music industry with new branding. When I was arrived at my city, I decided to discuss with my music teachers, to invite local music expertise, to join together in one musical organisation. Then, together we named it "Classiceastique". Like its name, this genre is focused on Classical. Because I have a record label, they've been agreed to help me finish my first classical instrumental album, we call it "New Life". This album also got a great acceptance from local communities, Islam and Christian. Even, one of them called me "A Girl who Uniting Differences".
But in same time, some of my audiences in West Indonesia considered me has out from Islam (Murtad). Deep in my heart, I said "Astaghfirullah". I really depressed about their false opinions. Even my mother tried make my heart strong again. She said that we can face it with smile and endurance. Because only Allah knows what deep in our hearts, she said. In the middle of the night, I always ask for His Guidance.
That's is the little background. I know you don't like my steps too. My reason why I stopped it, is, I feel I haven't deserve for it yet. I think that I sometime have some mistakes although I keep my faith. There is no anything perfect in this world but Allah. That's that I try to convey in one of my composition, titled "Sometimes Fell". Human sometimes make a mistake.
But, I promise, when I really ready to restart my journey in Islamic music, I will come back. To show them, that it's the real reason that they have to do. To inspire anyone with Faith Value-driven music. Inspiring and motivating people, and remind everyone what's really matters in our journey in this earthly life.
But for now, I want to continue my musical journey with understanding what is music really is. How music is magical way to drive anyone. Classical music is the key to unveil it. Its melodies is like a pearl in music. And also my root which from Classical music, although I mastering all of genres. For now, this is my voice, my Oud, and My Piano.
I'll back to Islamic music with Faith Value-driven music when I ready [0x1f607]
I never force you to listening my latest music (music which released on 2021 - 2024). I really not force you to listen it. If you interested to those, you can listen it, if you doesn't interested, you no need listening it. And also for disclaimer, my religion is Islam, and never change, since first I born into this world, till my death someday. I keep my faith in One God. And follow our Rasul Guidance, Muhammad (PBUH), as a path which becomes the best guidance. And also, my principal, is to spreading the peace ☮️. With No War, No Hatred, No Killing, No Oppress. Because peace is the key of everything.
Okay, thanks for reading this. I hope you understand my situation. I really need to tell you about it. Forgive me for everything my mistakes. Keep spreading peace for this lowly world. Stay safe, stay healthy. Salaam
Wa Assalamu 'Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
- Indonesian Singer-Composer, Diana Susanti
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