Zed Peace

Enam Puluh

Autonomy at its finest

I still have the wonderful privilege of living with my parents. Both are still young at heart and want nothing more than to see their children succeed in life. Now that I've finished my studies, started work and is earning salary, they have willfully granted me something every child eventually longs for: independence. I am free to make my own personal and financial decisions, they allow me to loan for a car, coming home late becomes normal, they tolerate me being a smoker, they allow me to pursue my music plans; all of which I am deeply grateful for. To have their consent on these matters become the single most valuable thing to me as it highlights the level of trust that me and them have achieved, whether intentionally or otherwise. And this becomes all the more reason I wish to succeed even more, to show them that they have not done all this in vain.

How must it feel to raise a child knowing of all the dangers that await them?

Lima puluh sembilan

Nationalistic education: A historical compromise?

The introduction of an institutionalised education system in Brunei was part and parcel of the first Five-Year National Development plan implemented in the country around 1954. By the end of those 5 years, the makings of a more developed and independent Brunei, which was still under British protection, were well in place, and the society would reap full benefits from the various governmental programmes introduced. The education system mobilised Brunei society unlike never before in its history, and subsequently built the leaders that are in place today. The question of Brunei's political future was secured with the introduction of a formal constitution in 1959, despite its limited autonomy being a protectorate. And with all these changes, it is no wonder today's generation cite Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin as the architect of modern Brunei; he allowed his people to progress in a way other countries would only dream about. Careful planning and patience was the key to Brunei's success during a turbulent time when there was instability amongst South East Asian countries.

There is something terribly unnatural about national education systems however. At its full potential, any child that will be born and raised in the land automatically comes under the jurisdiction of the education ministry. He or she, by the time it develops enough intelligence growing up in the household will be enrolled in fraternities where they join other children and will be taught a certain way, according to needs and interests of the institution, and ultimately, of the land. In return of having this privilege, the child is now expected to abide by the laws stated in their constitutions. Any sort of delinquency of course is condemned and taken action against. Things however simply work, and it is taken by faith that without this entire system, however weak or flawed, things will surely be worse off. In other words, there is no way to turn back the clock into living in simpler times. People put so much faith in this system, that once put in place, they really cannot comprehend any other way of doing things.

Today's world in any case is vastly different from any other period in human history. The many complexities in organising today's societies, which are a product of different systems, paradigms and thinking, make it difficult for major changes to take place. Unlike how it was, say, in the 50's when world decolonisation was slowly taking place and nationalist movements were a norm. Or a 100 years ago, when countries were very much isolated against one another; it behooved countries to cooperate and collaborate in order to progress. Or a thousand years ago, when feudal civilisations flourished and the stronger kingdoms would rule over the weaker ones. Or a hundred thousand years ago, when the earliest human societies were found. Perhaps back then, one invention might have been all it took to change the entire course of human history.

Salam.

Lima puluh lapan

It's a Wrap was a huge success! Thanks to everyone who came, everyone involved, and everyone who supported it. PEACE!

Micbandits - Power (to download: right click - save as)
note - This was recorded during the day we left for KL to meet Kartel.

Lyrics:

Zed Peace
Live and direct from the belly of the east
Telecast on the screen catch a glimpse of Zed Peace
and they wondering, what is Micbandits about?
Well we bout to do a show I'll let you figure that out
We a group of small boys from the smallest of places
and we tryna see if we can actually become famous
If we do, then damn, we just made a statment
That we from the kampongs but became the greatest
So if you from the kampongs, and you can make it
Then you can inspire the youth to take risks
And stop tryna mimic the west
Cuz we got our own problems I be damned if we don't progress
Do you understand why we try so damn hard
To find brand new talent from our own backyard?
Cuz nobody's gonna help you to fill that spot
So it's up to us now, to rise to the top
We want that power

The Kro
We've been through too much, to ponder on the past
So when they ask about the past I just pour another glass
And tell my peers that what actually appears to be the start
Is actually the aftermath of what the years had in store
I guess it was pure luck or maybe pure talent
How we filled a half empty glass with a gallon
We've been racing with ourselves like a rally
Now we in the top after hiding in the valleys
I'ma direct this verse to the critics and the haters
Give a shout out to my fans, yea baby we made it
We major, slice the pie and share it with my folks
Micbandits enteprise suprise em like ghost
Here's a toast, to our long term success
Cuz this life is uncertain so I hope for the best
Close curtains, dim the lights here's another set
A Kartel performance I hope ya'll won't forget
I want that power

Lima puluh tujuh

Micbandits: "It's a Wrap"

A music video premiere of 'Cantik Rupamu (Hello)'

Featuring performances by:
A Band Once | Layzee Clan | MNC | One D | Projectunes

Special Guest:
Altimet

LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW: GOLD $50, SILVER $30, BRONZE $10

Get tickets now at Dunes Café (Kiulap), Wardrobes Inc (Batu Bersurat) or CALL 8648484 / 8999915

Visit www.microbandits.com/itsawrap for more details

Here's to a good show fellas!

Lima puluh enam

Lima puluh lima

Ocean Talk

Khaos: Yo guys, do you think Micbandits will be super famous one day?

Kro: I don't see why not.

Zed: I guess if we worked real hard for it. How famous is super famous?

Khaos: Hmm, like world famous. Jay-Z famous.

Kro: Maybe not that famous lah bro, big in Asia maybe.

Zed: Too Phat famous. That's good enough for me. At the same though, is fame all we really want out of this?

Khaos: Inda pulang. But syok jua tu, don't you think so?

Zed: There's better things out there than fame.

Khaos: Kau ani jua eh, orang betanya saja.

Kro: It would be just as dope if we can set up a big record label one day. Turn ourselves into successful businessmen.

Zed: Yea, can't depend on being an artist forever. At least not in Brunei.

Khaos: But if you had the chance to be the next big thing, would you take it?

Kro: Definetly.

Zed: Baik ko tanya if there was a million bucks on the floor would you take it.

Khaos: Baie kau ani ah Zed. Bah, what is it that YOU want out of this?

Zed: I wanna make good music.

Khaos: Macam tah kami inda. What do you really really want though?

Zed: I've told you guys what I want.

Khaos: Hmph, yang pasal political shit ani ni eh.

Kro: You want to be an influential figure in Brunei one day right?

Zed: I want to be able to inspire critical thinkers. Instead of having this generation become a bunch of yes-people who just nod their heads and...

Khaos: ... Iatabah. That's still a dream though. Iatah million bucks ampai-ampai mu tu.

Zed: I guess so.

Kro: Let's agree on this: Fame, money, influence et cetera; all this technically you can reach if you really strive for it.

Khaos: Exactly. No dream is impossible.

Zed: Let's just hope so.

Lima puluh empat

Ramadhan & Raya

Yet another Ramadhan passes us this year and one either took the opportunity to re-evaluate their lives and take initiatives to change it for the better, or let the month go by unattentively with minimal effort to cleanse body and mind. After all, to fast is a gesture of self control but it is the responsibility of the individual to discipline themselves in all other aspects of their day to day. Carry a healthy mindset the following year and you might end up achieving things you never thought you could. Such is the nature of positive thinking and affirmative action.

We enter the new month with fesitivites to symbolise self-achievement, and thus, complimentary celebration for all! At the same time, Raya some might claim is all about forgiveness first and foremost. Wrong-doings and mistakes are put to one side or forgiven in the hope that we all move on and progress. Raya as well is most effective when spent with immediate family, to be able to strengthen the bond with siblings and parents. If it's not too much to ask, just go up to them and minta maaf. God knows the type of things we do to hurt each other without us knowing it.

Communities can benefit a lot when families show respect and compassion to one another, and Raya can do exactly that. It assures mutual understanding that is crucial for the society's well-being. A moment when one decides to cut off relations with a relative or family member that did them wrong would be a tragic sight to see. The question of pride, or misplaced pride, or lack thereof, when it comes to forgiveness should not be taken too seriously. Why? Because a sincere apology, that is brought forth after a month of dedication to one's faith, can certainly touch the hearts of people.

The traditions we choose to follow have every bit of significance if it is followed with sincerity and honesty. As of late I haven't been too sincere with myself I suppose. What surprise is it then on the night I decide to pray for forgiveness for how hectic things have become, I'm awoken to find that my room was entirely flooded from the previous night's rain: the only one in the house. How flattered I must've felt.

Anyways, just wanna wish everybody Selamat Hari Raya and Maaf Zahir Batin. Hmm, at the end of the every year, perhaps a month of Ramadhan and a day of Raya is exactly what we all need. Don't you think so?

-Zed Peace.

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