The name I mention in the title of this post might be lesser-known to the rest of the world and Pokémon fans therein, but to Pokémon fans in Indonesia, he has a particular regard. And since the title contains "Respect for", it becomes obvious, considering posts that I've made on this blog in the past. Yes, Ahmad Zulkifli "Iphie" Lubis is an Indonesian voice actor, and the particular regard is that he voices Ash in the local-language dub, referred as either Satoshi (the Japanese name) or Ali (the adapted Indonesian name).
His career in dubbing goes back to the early 1990s, and he became involved in many of the dubbing projects that are broadcasted on the channels that would eventually also broadcast the local dub of Pokémon, and eventually Pokémon itself. That lasted for a good number of years until the dub changed hands - that is, shifted to another channel - for the Sun & Moon dub. But like Veronica Taylor for the English dub, his repute remains, regardless of what has changed, including the fact that he's uniquely a male voice actor for Ash.
I first got to recognize his distinctive voice characterization for Ash over a decade and a half ago, and it is distinct. There's just one oddity: other characters he voiced (hint: they include a boy possessing many forms) also sound more or less similar. In that regard, it may not have been unique, but by my observation at the least, the characterization is carried through whoever character is voiced by him. I consider that a hallmark of a great voice actor despite the apparent limitation, and he is just that with what he has done for Pokémon and beyond.
As for the "in memoriam" part, well... I'm sorry to say, he passed away late Thursday night my time. The news came to me in the morning, and it was somewhat a shock to everyone in the know. Tributes have poured in throughout the day, and it's quite evident that those in the animation, dubbing, and related pop culture communities recognize his far-reaching contributions. In that sense I am also indebted, and therefore I had to make this post for today in order to honor him and to put in another tribute, one that fans can appreciate globally.
Personally, I consider every person related (and who have contributed) to Pokémon to be of great significance, even if they're obscure to the global context. Such might be the case for Iphie, but I'm sure that once people in the global Pokémon context realize his contributions, they will also be able to realize that he has great significance as well. Like every voice actor I've covered under the "Respect for" tag, he too has to be respected - not just by local Pokémon fans, but also those around the world.
Rest in peace, Iphie. Your voice - for Ash and others - is legendary and forever in our hearts and minds.
One year ago: Quickies: Water, the Source of Life
Two years ago: To Lure or to Walk?
Three years ago: Mewtwo @ Everywhere
Four years ago: Cosplay: CHoCoDays x CLAS:H/ICGP Regionals 2018
Five years ago: Pokémon Art on Walls
No comments:
Post a Comment
Hi folks! Feel free to comment, but know that I'll be selecting only the most appropriate and relevant comments to appear. Think before you post.