By Neil Brian Joseph
Kombo RTM Sabah launches debut album
KOTA KINABALU: Kombo Radio Televisyen Malaysia (Kombo RTM) Sabah launched its debut album entitled ‘Pertama’ yesterday, making it the second ever musical ensemble to produce an album after the one produced by RTM Angkasapuri.
Kombo RTM Sabah bandleader Raimon Sukudat @ Matlan Kidz, disclosed that it took the band almost two years to complete the entire production process.
“This is our debut album since the inception of Kombo RTM back in 1975. Thus, this was a huge improvement for us. As far as I know, RTM bands from other states have never done anything like this before, apart from Angkasapuri,” Raimon said.
He disclosed that all 10 instrumental pieces in the album were composed by him, and all the musicians featured in the album are from RTM comprising a standard band and an orchestral ensemble.
“Fifteen musicians were involved in the recording of this album, including myself. We recorded the instrumental pieces back in 2015 and completed everything by 2016.
“However, due to some technical problems, we had to postpone the launching of the album to this year,” the Kudatborn musician revealed.
As of now, the album is not available for sale, but if there are people who would like to get a copy, they may do so by contacting Kombo RTM Sabah on any of its social media platforms.
Raimon expressed his hope that this album will serve as an inspiration to the younger generation, especially those who wish to pursue music as their full-time career.
“This album is perfect for students who study music formally, especially those who are enrolled in music schools,” Raimon told reporters when met at the launching ceremony of Pertama at RTM yesterday.
The event featured performances from Kombo RTM playing some of the pieces from the album, namely, Pertama and Bunian, besides teaming up with several local singers.
On Kombo RTM’s future projects, Raimon said that he would like to collaborate with some of the colleges when the right time comes.
He also said that Kombo RTM will be producing more albums in the future, as he intends to compose more tunes with actual lyrics rather than just instrumental pieces.
During the event, RTM Sabah broadcasting deputy director, Malinaziah Datu Mohd Julaspi, expressed her joy at the historic moment for Kombo RTM Sabah.
“With the launching of Kombo RTM Sabah’s first ever album, I sincerely hope that the public would grow to appreciate Kombo RTM more. Also, we must not forget all the support given by the old timers in the Sabah music industry towards Kombo RTM,” Malinaziah said.
Also present was RTM Sabah broadcasting director, Haji Ali Ngasio.