DebuFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Background information
Origin United StatesUnited States
Genres Spiritual, World Fusion, World Music
Years active 2001 - present
Labels Forte, Dust Productions
Website www.musikdebu.com
Debu is a group of Muslim musicians formed in 2001 and currently based in South Jakarta, Indonesia. Most of the band's members are American, with other members from England, Sweden and Indonesia. Some of the original members were teachers at an Indonesian university in Makassar, where the band began informally as a kind of extracurricular activity.[1]
Their band name is an Indonesian language means “dust”, which is an indication for the listener to avoid focusing on band members because they are insignificant in comparison to the music and the message: "After having already come to know DEBU, we hope people will begin to understand what they are, who they are and why they do what they are doing. But after that, one needs to forget it all because DEBU isn't really anything, nor anybody and there is simply no reason to ask about them. They have come from Him and are in the process of returning to Him. What should be remembered, however, is the message they bring."[2]
Debu’s music has sound mix of Middle Eastern strings, thumping drums, flutes, violins, an Irish harp, santur, flamenco guitar, baglama, tambura, oud, dumbek and some Indonesian instruments. Their music lyrics are about peace, the love and longing to the Creator, and other Islamic messages. "Their long-awaited message of love and peace is not new; to them it's the essence of Islam, the Sufi way."[3] Their album title "Drunk with Love" is a term common in sufi literature, often understood as the first step on the path to God.[4]
The songs are mainly in Indonesian, but there are also some in Arabic, English, Persian, Turkish, Spanish and Chinese language. They have released four Indonesian albums and one Turkish album. They are often featured on Indonesian TV during Muslim holidays, such as Idul Fitri.
