On September 20, 2019, Indonesian singer-songwriter Rendy Pandugo released an intriguing new single titled "Why?". The thought-provoking track, which features a guest verse from Indonesian rapper Matter Mos, showcases Pandugo's growth as an artist tackling weighty subject matter.
Musically, "Why?" is a moody pop composition written by Pandugo himself and produced by Ganesya. The atmospheric production pairs slow, steady beats with haunting synths to create an introspective soundscape. Over this, Pandugo delivers questioning, almost pleading vocals, his tone perfectly matching the song's grappling with life's big existential quandaries.
Lyrically, "Why?" delves into the tumultuous state of the world, with Pandugo attempting to make sense of humanity's destructive tendencies. He sings of the chaos and suffering caused by war, violence, and environmental destruction, pondering how we got to this point. The chorus refrain of "Why do we love to kill each other? / Why do we love to hurt one another?" encapsulates the song's central concern - what drives people to cause harm and pain?
Matter Mos's rapped verse adds another dimension, touching on social and political issues like corruption, injustice, and the unequal distribution of wealth and power. His rapid-fire delivery and hard-hitting lines ("The world is falling apart, we're on the edge / People hungry, earth's burnin', we're in the red") underscore the urgency of the problems Pandugo is grappling with.
Despite the heavy themes, "Why?" is not entirely pessimistic. Amidst the questioning, there are glimmers of hope, particularly in the bridge where Pandugo sings longingly of love and unity. The song seems to suggest that even in our darkest hours, the human capacity for compassion and connection might just be the light that guides us out of the chaos.
Directed by Bramsky, the accompanying music video translates these ideas into striking visuals. The video intercuts shots of Pandugo and Matter Mos performing with news footage and scenes of unrest, destruction, and environmental degradation. As the song builds to its climax, we see images of protest, activism, and community - a poignant reminder that even in troubled times, there are those fighting for positive change.
One of the most interesting aspects of "Why?" is that while Pandugo and Matter Mos are Indonesian artists, the song is entirely in English. This was likely a conscious choice to give the song a more global resonance. The issues Pandugo is addressing - war, violence, injustice, environmental destruction - are sadly universal, transcending language and culture. By singing in English, Pandugo is perhaps attempting to connect with listeners worldwide who share these concerns.
In the Indonesian music scene, "Why?" stands out as a bold statement from a young artist unafraid to use his platform to tackle serious issues. Pandugo, who first rose to prominence as a finalist on the talent show The Voice Indonesia in 2016, has been carving out a unique lane for himself with his soulful brand of socially-conscious pop. "Why?" feels like a major artistic leap forward, showcasing not just his growth as a singer and songwriter, but also his development as a thinker and communicator.
Of course, a song like "Why?" is bound to generate discussion and even some controversy. Some may feel that pop music is an inappropriate vehicle for such weighty themes, or that Pandugo's perspective is too simplistic or naive. However, one could argue that by sparking conversations about these issues, particularly among young listeners, Pandugo is performing a valuable service. At the very least, he's challenging his audience to think more deeply about the world and their place in it.
Ultimately, "Why?" is a stirring addition to Indonesia's rich tradition of socially-engaged art and a powerful statement from one of the country's most promising young musical talents. The song's haunting melodies, introspective lyrics, and thought-provoking video make it an unforgettable and conversation-sparking work that lingers long after the final notes fade away. In a world that often feels like it's spinning out of control, "Why?" is a timely reminder of the role art can play in helping us make sense of the chaos and imagine a better future.
