Blues music may not be a type of music that has the majority of fans in Indonesia. However, its history and development remain and cannot be forgotten. Although it is not popular music for local residents, Bali as a world-class tourist destination regularly holds the annual Bali Rockin Blues festival specifically for blues music fans. So how did blues music first develop and enter Indonesia? And how did this one music genre manage to hold many festival events in Indonesia? Find the detailed answers below.
History of Blues Music
Blues music is a genre of music that is famous for its melodious nuances and accompanied by singing that tends to be melancholic. Songs that emerge from blues music also have sad lyrics. Blues singers usually express their emotions rather than telling something. The beginning of this music was to vent emotions for African-American farmers and slaves.
While the word blues itself comes from the title of the drama “Blues Devil” which was staged in 1798 in Europe. However, it was not until 1910 that the word blues was finally officially used to refer to this music genre. Then followed by rapid development in America in the following years. Not only performed informally, this music also began to be performed in theaters and nightclubs.
Along the way, blues music experienced quite rapid growth. Until the 90s, this music had 5 derivative genres. First, Delta Blues which is dominated by the use of guitar and harmonica. Then Piedmont Blues which is famous for its four-finger picking. Third is Jump Blues which combines it with wind instruments. Then there is Chicago Blues which began to use more musical instruments, such as piano, drums, and saxophone. Lastly is Blues Rock which combines blues music with rock & roll.
The development of the use of musical instruments is very significant. Because at first, black farmers and slaves were prohibited from using musical instruments which at that time were typical African percussion instruments. So the development of music without instruments to a full combination of musical instruments is a rapid progress.
The Entry of Blues Music into Indonesia
One of the countries that also experienced the growth of blues music is Indonesia. More or less in the 1980s, this music genre began to be known by many people in Indonesia. Several city-scale blues communities were formed. Among them are Bandung Blues Society, Jogja Blues Forum, Bali Blues Island, and the INA Blues Jakarta community.
In addition to the blues community, legendary artist Benyamin Sueb is also a major factor in the development of this music genre. In addition to making songs, Benyamin also created a music group “Benyamin Sued & Beib Blues”. Until now, there have been many Indonesian soloists and bands known for their consistency in spreading blues music. To name a few, Gugun Blues Shelter, Sandhy Sandoro, Andi Adioetomo, BIP, White Swan, and many more.
Although until now blues music does not have as many fans as other music genres, such as pop and dangdut, this genre continues to show its existence. There have been many blues music festivals held annually. Starting from national to international levels held in Indonesia. One that has been running for 15 years is the Bali Blues Festival. With a slightly different theme, namely the Bali Rocking Blues Festival, this event will continue in 2022.
Bali Rocking Blues Festival 2022
With a focus on the blues and rock music genres, the festival organizers decided to use the name Bali Rocking Blues Festival. If the previous few years this event was held in Nusa Dua, Bali, then this year the venue was also made different.
Bali Rocking Blues Festival 2022 will be held at Taman Inspirasi Muntig Siokan, Sanur, Bali in mid-June. Not just one day, this blues music festival will be held for 2 days with a line-up of blues rock musicians.
This blues music festival is actually still related to the Bali Blues Festival in Nusa Dua Bali and the international Blues Festival. So the excitement and quality of this event are unquestionable. Moreover, with this new location, you will not only feel the excitement of the festival. But tourists can also enjoy the beauty of Muntig Siokan Mertasari Beach. It is perfect for those of you who want to invite your extended family to spend a vacation in Sanur, Bali.