American dangdut?!

A while back we reported on the unlikely story of Arreal Tilghman, an African-American from Delaware who somehow was becoming a star in dangdut, the popular Indonesian musical style.

Looks like he's been through his apprenticeship and is ready to hit the airwaves. The 22-year-old won the Dangdut in America auditions, and was then spirited away to the archipelago to refine his techniques. He then came back for a November launch through his label NSR Productions, with a crucial assist from the Indonesian ambassador who promoted the event.

I don't know much about him - does he sing in Bahasa Indonesia, for instance? - but am curious to see if this American dangdut push gains traction. Will he become the next Rhoma Irama, peddling rhythms to a U.S. audience that are a unique blend of Indian, Arab, Malay, and Portuguese? Hey, if Barack Obama can grow up in Jakarta and become president, anything can happen ...

Today's Top Stories

Tee hee, rich politicians run out of cash

Muhammadiyah: Bali bombers not martyrs

Tsumani warning system debuts