Echoes of the Past: The Tale of Sam Saimun
Our project, Sam Saimun: Indonesia's Long-Lost Baritone, initiated by Fine, Great Studio, features Areza Akbar’s manuscript on Sam Saimun’s musical career and decline. Fine, Great Studio’s evocative illustrations enrich the publication, leading to a vibrant release party at GACA with music from Afro Connection. This journey celebrates the joy of unexpected collaborations and honors a forgotten musical legend.
Hariara Sitepu
Our publication project, Sam Saimun: Indonesia's Long-Lost Baritone, was initiated by our esteemed partner, Fine, Great Studio. They presented us with a manuscript penned by the talented Areza Akbar, which delves into the illustrious musical career, extensive discography, and eventual decline of the maestro Sam Saimun. Embracing the spirit of providing a platform for diverse voices, we enthusiastically welcomed this initiative.
Fine, Great Studio, playing a pivotal role in connecting us with writers, truly deserves commendation. We entrusted them with the design and layout of this publication, and they responded with a series of simple yet profoundly evocative illustrations that brought Areza’s words to life. Their artistic approach ingeniously compensated for the scarcity of documentation and photographs related to Sam Saimun, adding a unique visual dimension to the narrative.
In a serendipitous turn of events, our preparations for the publication caught the attention of our colleagues at GACA. They generously offered us their space to host a mini showcase and release party. Thus, on a sunny afternoon in Yogyakarta, September 23, 2023, we gathered for a joyous celebration. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Afro Connection serenaded us with a classic Indonesian playlist, infusing the event with a warm and nostalgic ambiance.
Such unexpected and delightful occurrences hold a special place in our hearts. They remind us that friendships and spontaneous events enrich our publishing endeavors. The swift and impromptu process of bringing Sam Saimun: Indonesia's Long-Lost Baritone to life was a truly enjoyable experience, underscoring the value of remaining open to the surprises that come our way.
