‘Kumbang Bunga’ Proves Traditional Music Still Blooms

By Nurhafizah Tan

SHAH ALAM, Nov 7 (Bernama) -- While many believe traditional music is slowly fading amid the tide of modern sounds, Kumbang Bunga — the debut collaboration between Biduanita Negara (National Songbird) Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin and Indonesian dangdut star Lesti Kejora — proves otherwise.

Blending Malay, Inang and dangdut rhythms in a refreshing arrangement, the song unites two culturally linked nations and has created a sensation online, amassing over 1.3 million views on YouTube within less than a month of its release.

Adding to the joy, the song — composed by talented duo Firdaus Rahmat and Iqie Hugh - has been nominated in three categories at the Indonesia Dangdut Awards (IDA) 2025: Most Popular Dangdut Song, Most Popular Dangdut Music Video, and Most Popular Dangdut Duo/Duet/Collaboration.

Expressing gratitude for the recognition, the mother of Siti Aafiyah Khalid and Muhammad Afwa Khalid described the regional acknowledgement as an appreciation of her ongoing efforts to preserve and elevate traditional music, which is increasingly rare in today’s music scene.

“I’m very thankful because this was a collaboration I had planned for a long time, and it finally came true. Alhamdulillah, we received nominations for an award show in Indonesia that will take place this December,” she told Bernama.

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Met at the Adjunct Professor Appointment Ceremony for the Faculty of Management and Business at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) recently, Siti said the positive response to her latest traditional album and single shows that listeners still crave music rooted in cultural heritage.

“The response since we released the single has been overwhelming. It seems many fans still look forward to hearing me perform contemporary and traditional songs,” she said.

Siti, who has garnered over 300 local and international awards in her nearly 30-year career, hopes the album will resonate across the region.

“I hope this album can go even further and be received as warmly as Cindai — not only in Malaysia but throughout the Nusantara,” she said, referring to one of her most iconic traditional hits.

On the song’s musical concept, the vocal powerhouse said that Kumbang Bunga beautifully merges the voices and souls of two singers from kindred cultures — Malaysia and Indonesia.

“There are indeed dangdut elements in the song, but also strong influences of Malay and Inang music. The dangdut part suits Lesti perfectly, while the Inang and Malay sections represent my style. That was the main purpose of this duet,” she explained.

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Speaking about her collaboration with Lesti, the Temerloh-born singer praised her Indonesian counterpart for her professionalism and commitment throughout the recording and music video production.

At the same time, Siti expressed appreciation to fans  across the region who have continued to support her career and her mission to bring traditional music to international audiences.

“My fans in Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore have continued listening to my songs over the years. And now, with modern technology, there are no limits — the music can be heard all over the world,” she said.

Kumbang Bunga is among 10 tracks featured in Siti’s latest traditional album, Gema Bumantara, released on Oct 28. The album marks another milestone in her artistic journey to strengthen and beautify the legacy of Malay traditional music.

— BERNAMA