Lasting 22 Years, Sueb Band Can't Be Separated From Benjamin's Heritage

Sueb Band, tribute group Benyamin Sueb (Ivan Two Men/VOI)

JAKARTA - Sueb Band has been dedicated 22 years as a tribute music group featuring the songs of the late Benyamin Sueb et al in various musical stages.

Sueb Band did not carelessly perform songs from the Betawi icon of art. Joe (vocals) who is also Betawi's son said that his party continues to try to establish good relations with the family of the late Benjamin.

"We are indeed not related to the late Babeh Benjamin, but God willing, we have sowan and permission from the family, Babeh Benjamin's children," said Joe, met before appearing in the 22nd celebration of the Sueb Band in Joglo, West Jakarta on Saturday, August 16 evening.

Joe admitted that he had received permission to present Benjamin's works by the deceased's family, but with a note that the Sueb Band would not intentionally record it and commercialize it.

He also mentioned that the family of the late Benjamin was a person who had a high level of concern, who invited Sueb Band personnel to seek sustenance as a tribute band.

"Alhamduliullah, we are approved, even though it is not written," said Joe.

"Even yesterday we met at their residence, we still remember his mandate, 'You can sing Babeh's song, but don't take it on purpose.' That's the mandate of his late son

As a tribute band, Sueb Band is aware that maintaining good relations with Benjamin Sueb's family is a must.

"It's really important to maintain friendship, because we are looking for money from Babeh Benjamin's work. After all, we keep the friendship, we allow, we are sowan, don't say, 'You bring my song arbitrarily.' said Joe.

"There are a lot of incidents now (probleming because you perform other people's songs), it's a big deal, we don't get rich like that. Because if you are Betawi, you are the important thing first, you come to the house, you talk. It's good, so there's a way out. "

Joe hopes that the Band's Sueb can continue to show Benjamin Sueb's works to the younger generation. If given the opportunity, they also want to collaborate with the children of the late Benjamin Sueb.

"I want to collaborate with his late son Babeh. Because the son of the late Babeh, like Bang Beno and Bang Biem, is still performing and also playing his own songs," said Joe.

"God willing, if there is sustenance, there is the same work, he wants to collect with his son Babeh Benjamin," he concluded.