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Soundwriters is a tribute to the unsung musical heroes of the Indo-European, Moluccan, Papuan, Javanese-Surinamese, Peranakan, and broader Indonesian diasporas, who turned migration, resistance, and resilience into sound. This book and catalog honors the artists who, through soul, pop, reggae, funk, and more, became writers of an aural history. Their music connected continents and generations, and gave voice to histories left out of the archives.
More than a historical overview, Soundwriters is a deeply personal reflection. Through archival discoveries and lived experience, Michiel Sekan traces how diasporic music shaped identities, his own included. By weaving major historical events with personal memories, he gives forgotten histories a human face. An homage to underground legends and diaspora pioneers who helped shape the sound of post-colonial Netherlands, but rarely received recognition.
The Authors
Written and compiled by Michiel Sekan (Amsterdam, 2025)
Additional research by Harry “Munir” Septiandry.
Edited by Maria Rey-Lamslag
The Designers
Creative Direction & Design by Harry “Munir” Septiandry in collaboration with Michiel Sekan.
The Book
First Published in 2025 by Jiwa Jiwa
Printed in Jakarta, Indonesia
Language: Dutch, English, Indonesian
Specification: Soft cover, 304 pages, 25.0 x 14.5 x 2.0 cm, 0,6kg
ISBN: 978909040730
This book has been created with the support of VFonds “Houd Je Erfgoed Levend”.
Kumpulans (book launch events)
17-8 Pesta Merdeka, Cafe-Warung PAS, Amsterdam
6-9 Merdeka, Felix Meritis, Amsterdam
11-10 Generasi 3.0, Fotomuseum, Den Haag
Features
Fotomuseum, Den Haag, Generasi 3.0 Exhibition