Unspun

Pop goes the fiddle

A music sensation called Maylaffayza has been getting Indonesians moving to a beat that’s a fusion of hip-hop, rap and R&B.

By NILA TANZIL�

IN the Indonesian music industry, Maylaffayza stands out for being the only solo pop-classic-crossover female violinist. She combines hip-hop, rap and R&B rhythms and a touch of popular Indonesian tunes with the sounds of her violin. In some pieces, she also sings. �

Maylaffayza started to play the violin when she was just nine. Her uncle, Iswan Sutopo, a musician, gave her an old violin. She put the instrument next to her bed and wished that one day she would be able to play it.�

Maylaffayza agrees that the violin is serious and elegant, but wants it to rock, too.

Her first lessons were not easy. “I could not even make a nice sound with my violin. It was so difficult!” she laughs. �