KUALA LUMPUR – In an unexpected collaboration, local dangdut star Baby Shima and political cartoonist Zunar have teamed up for a new music single titled Cari-Cari Salah (Finding Faults).
The song, performed by up-and-coming Indonesian artist Novita All, premiered on Baby Shima’s official YouTube channel on Friday (April 19).
Zunar, when asked, confirmed that this is his first venture as a lyricist, adding that the song was inspired by one of his illustrations.
Unlike most love-themed dangdut tracks, Cari-Cari Salah offers a social commentary, taking a jab at religious hypocrisy.
The politically charged nature of the track is evident in its lyrics, penned by Zunar, also known as Zulkiflee Anwar Haque.
“The song primarily addresses religious hypocrites, those who preach one thing but practise another,” Zunar told Scoop when contacted.
“It’s not an indictment of religious individuals as a whole. They deserve respect, but this is directed at those who feign piety.”
“In my observations, Malaysia has its share of such individuals (religious hypocrites).”
The lyrics critique hypocritical behaviour, particularly focusing on individuals who outwardly display religious devotion while engaging in contradictory actions.
They are portrayed as judgmental, constantly seeking faults in others while ignoring their own shortcomings.
The lyrics also touch upon themes of greed and infidelity, suggesting that despite claiming to adhere to religious teachings, the individuals are driven by selfish desires, such as the desire to marry multiple women despite already having wives, and doing so for the wrong reasons.
Explaining the unexpected collaboration, Zunar revealed that the idea stemmed from Baby Shima (real name Nor Ashima Ramli), following controversies involving certain religious figures.
Meanwhile, fans of Baby Shima noted the subtle mention of the term “Walaun” in the track, a pejorative term used to describe “conservative” supporters of Perikatan Nasional.
Despite political undertones, Zunar emphasised that the song represents a “bold” step for women in Malaysia.
“Many women face various forms of harassment and struggle to voice their concerns. This is a courageous move,” he added. – April 20, 2024