Baca Maluku

‘Baca Maluku’ is a traditional song from the ABC islands, also known as ‘Ariba Sero Di Biento’. The song goes by both names as it has been passed down through generations, with Susjaira adding her own lyrics to the “B” section of this version. Interestingly, ‘Baca Maluku’ is actually a lullaby, but unlike most lullabies, the lyrics are haunting:

“On top of the windy hill, there is a mad cow.
Children who are crying, the cow comes to eat them.”

Oral tradition says this originates from the times of slavery, where crying babies were seen as weak, and a slave master would kill those who cried too much at night. Mothers sang this chilling lullaby to keep their children quiet and safe.

Coming from a small island like Aruba, I feel deeply connected to my culture. I see it as delicate and precious, like a baby that needs protection and nurturing to grow into something truly beautiful.

That’s why this song is so important to me—it’s not just a piece of music, it’s a way to honour and preserve our heritage.

One of my favourite quotes is:
“I will live for my culture, I will die for my culture, and if I were born again, I would do it all over again for the same culture.”

I try to live by this every day.

Siegfried Hart Drums & percussion
Quincy Braafhart Percussion
Terrance Green Keyboards
Redyson Zink Bass
Susjaira Kerpens Vocals
João Costa Flute

Produced by Siegfried Hart
Mixed by Siegfried Hart
Mastered by Wouter Brandenburg
Photography by Ken Thiel

Released in collaboration with Wicked Wax