Voice of Baceprot - often abbreviated as VOB - are an Indonesian all-girl rock band formed in Garut, West Java in 2014. Consisting of young hijab-wearing trio Firdda Marsya Kurnia (vocals and guitar), Widi Rahmawati (bass), and Euis Siti Aisyah (drums), the word "baceprot" from their band name comes from the Sundanese language meaning "noisy". It was chosen to represent the type of music that they play.
VOB began to turn heads when a video of the band performing a cover of a song by Rage Against The Machine in 2015 became popular on YouTube. The three-piece continued to produce more videos of them covering songs by their idols, including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, and Slipknot, which garnered even more attention from both local and international media. They quickly went viral.
Besides their obvious prodigious musical talent, it was also the unique and contradictory combination of heavy rock/metal music and their wearing of the hijab that caught the eye of media from across the globe.
The trio, who are all Muslims, have faced opposition from conservative Muslims, in their home town of Garut, in West Java. However, others have been supportive.
Marsya said:
"Wearing a hijab should not be a barrier to the group's pursuit of its dream of being heavy metal stars... I think gender equality should be supported because I feel I am still exploring my creativity, while at the same time, not diminishing my obligations as a Muslim woman
All three wear the hijab on stage. Siti, the drummer, stated that her parents originally opposed her involvement in the group, but changed their minds when the band won an award at a music festival. They sing in English language as well as Sundanese, and have gained a wide social media presence outside Indonesia."
In 2018, VOB signed a deal with Jakarta-based booking agency Amity Asia. Not long after, they released their long-awaited self-written debut single "School Revolution". Produced by renowned producer Stephan Santoso – who also plays the guitar for Musikimia – the single propelled them to international stardom. They became a point of discussion for high-profile global media. Meanwhile, a slew of invitations to perform at celebrated festivals and events came pouring in from around the world.
Their popularity has reached a point where they were personally invited by legendary guitarist Slash to meet him backstage when Guns N’ Roses held a concert at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta in November 2018. Further confirmation of their burgeoning reputation came via personal shout-outs from their idols Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello and Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea on social media, along with Living Colour guitarist Vernon Reid.
VoB is a three-piece metal band from Indonesia.
The trio, who are all Muslims, have faced opposition from conservative Muslims, in their home town in West Java. However, others have been supportive.
"Wearing a hijab should not be a barrier to the groups pursuit of its dream of being Heavy Metal stars... I think gender equality should be supported because I feel I am still exploring my creativity, while at the same time, not diminishing my obligations as a Muslim woman," Kurinia said.
They sing in English and Sudanes.
