[1991] Mellyana - Tokecang

Superb debut by then teenage model/singer Mellyana Manuhutu. Originally hailing from Ambon, Maluku, she started her singing career early as a young kid alongside others her age who would then become famous themselves (e.g. Anggun). Later in her teens she got involved in a dance troupe headed by none other than Guruh Soekarnoputra, and she managed to win third place in a cover photo competition put out by the Gadis magazine, popular among teen girls back in Indonesia.
Curiously, her self-titled debut was not under an Indonesian label, but in Japan under the Sony sub-label WAVE. With production by Guest Band (check out their excellent Ta'kan EP) and help from Makoto Kubota and Sandii, alongside rapping by Indonesian rap pioneer Iwa-K, this album encapsulates the 90s new jack swing/house sound, but elevated with Melly's smooth yet confident vocals. The fact that all the music are covers of traditional songs also differentiated it from many of her contemporaries. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Full album playlist: • Mellyana - S/T (Wave S...
Mellyana - Mellyana
Label/Cat#: Wave - SRCL 1956
Country: Japan
Year: 01 Jul 1991
Genre: Electronic, #Funk, Soul, Pop, Folk, World, Country
Style: New Jack Swing, Contemporary R&B, Synth-pop
Format: CD, Album, Stereo
Tracklist
1. Yamko Rambe Yamko
2. Tokecang
3. Cublak Cublak Suweng
4. Sigulempong
5. Lembe Lembe
6. Bungong Jeumpa
7. Dek Sangke
8. Surilang
9. Paris Barantai
10. Burung Dalam Sangkar
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