Manohara Odelia Pinot -- Part XXI -- Mbah Surip

The passing of Mbah Surip was a real loss to the Indonesian Reggae and Rastafarian community. The story of Mbah Surip is an interesting one because he found fame and fortune late in life. Even more interesting is that he was a street artist who finally made his mark beyond the streets where he plied his trade for the greater part of his 60 years. He has died allegedly of a heart attack.

Mbah Surip's most notable claim to fame was a sing called Tak Gendong. This tune became a bit of a smash hit as a ringtone and is estimated to have generated some IDR 4 billion in royalties for Mbah Surip, which also adds to the success, and ultimately the tragedy, of this story.

However, judging from the title you know this is not going to be a Mbah Surip story alone. Manohara and her mother, Daisy, never ones to miss an opportunity for some self-promotion have expressed their sorrow at Mbah Surip's passing.

Apparently, Mano is distraught and has been crying. Mano was a big fan of Mbah Surip. And, it seems that Mbah Surip was also a bit of a fan of Mano, as it is reported that he had recently visited the set of her sinetron to sing her a song. It appears Mbah Surip was made to wait for hours before getting the opportunity to sing and play his guitar for Mano (which is hardly how one would think a fan would treat a favourite artist).

According to Daisy, "Manohara said he is humble, and she is happy that Mbah Surip was happy at the end of his life." And, "Manohara said that she thought Surip had a special aura and that he was very warm and friendly. Mano cared about him deeply."

The longer I watch the Mano saga unfold, the more questions I have about the sincerity of both mother and daughter.

I attach the YouTube version of Tak Gendong for your viewing pleasure.

What Do Your Musical Tastes Say About You?

I am a bit of a fan of You Tube and will remain so until someone posts an unflattering video of me and then I will hate the place. However, before then it is a great place for all manner of videos on all manner of subjects. I like to listen to music and watch music videos so You Tube is certainly a place that I visit regularly to indulge in both these passions.

I have just found myself surfing through music videos of Bob Marley. How did I end up searching for Bob Marley videos or more importantly why, is a question I have just started to think about and do not yet have an answer for. I cannot recall a specific thought that went off in the grey matter that said, Bob Marley. Maybe it was a fascination with a man who managed to have 13 children to 9 different women?

Or perhaps it is the idea that a man can be so committed to his Rastafari beliefs that he would refuse the amputation of a cancerous toe because his beliefs dictate that the body must be whole. And that this decision may have ultimately resulted in his early and untimely death that robbed the world of a true and legendary talent.

So, I pose this question. What do your musical tastes say about you?

By the way, my favourite Bob Marley tunes include "No Woman, No Cry", "Redemption Song", "Stir It Up", and "Exodus". Then again, I do not think there is a Bob Marley song that I do not or would not listen to.



Enjoy!