The band from Indonesia “Keubitbit” at Nisville

22 Jul The band from Indonesia “Keubitbit” at Nisville

The group Keubitit from Indonesia, which combines world music, folk and fusion jazz in its expression, will perform in Nashville on Saturday, August 16.

Keubitbit is an ethnic music group from Jakarta, Indonesia. Formed in 2014, the name Keubitbit is derived from the Acehnese language, meaning “solemnity.”

The band consists of seven members: Safrullah ‘Aloel’ (electric bass/lead vocals/band leader/producer), Indra Fahmi Hakim (drums, percussion), Raden Trio Ananda Bagus Prakoso (saxophone), Trinanda Imawan Wibisono (keyboards, acoustic piano), Teuku Hariansyah ‘Apoen’ (Rapa’i percussion, gendrang), Fahmil Arabi (lead vocals), and Didin Marlin (guitar).

Inspired by the spirit and musical nuances of the Sumatra coast originating from Aceh, Keubitbit strives to delve deeper into Aceh’s musical traditions. These traditions are then packaged with a blend of ethnic music in modern and contemporary forms.

The genres performed by Keubitbit include world music, folk music, and fusion jazz.

Keubitbit’s overall discography to date includes four albums released in 2017, 2021, 2023, and 2024 along with six singles released in 2018, 2019, 2024, and 2025. One of the songs titled “Peumulia Jamee” is a collaboration with an urban dance from Aceh known as Ratoeh Jaroe.

Keubitbit achieved the highest accolade for Indonesian music and musicians, marking a historic moment for Aceh’s music scene by receiving the Anugerah Musik Indonesia (AMI) Awards in 2020. They were awarded in the category of “Best World Music Production” for their song titled “Saban Sabee,” making history as the first from Aceh to receive this recognition.

Keubitbit is inspired by concerns over the gradual fading of culture over time. As the love that once guided us fades, Keubitbit strives to revive the longing for cultural processes and events.

Keubitbit’s artistic philosophy revolves around creating works born from a concern for the stories of the past, which often now remain mere tales among the older generation, especially among today’s youth. Keubitbit emerges as a bridge between modern and traditional cultures, presenting them side by side for the world to enjoy.

In addition, Keubitbit focuses on being a platform domestically that fosters the development of a new musical civilization within the Indonesian music landscape, particularly in Acehnese music. Keubitbit’s works often explore themes of social conditions, cultural diversity, and traditions rooted primarily in Aceh, addressing various issues from different aspects of life.

Keubitbit’s uniqueness lies in the use of traditional Acehnese percussion instruments, combined with melodies that carry nuances of Middle Eastern music, complemented by the distinctive rhythms of Rapa’i.

The incorporation of Acehnese lyrics with fast-paced singing techniques, fused with rhythmic music, gives Keubitbit’s music a strong character.

Rapa’i (a traditional percussion instrument from Aceh) is the primary musical instrument used to strengthen the character of Keubitbit’s songs. Keubitbit combines it with modern musical instruments to achieve harmonious perfection.