Artikel ini juga tersedia dalam bahasa Indonesia
Genial Barzah Tanevi, also known as Genial Tan, is one of Indonesia’s most prominent voice actresses. Also known by her nickname Gegen, she has dubbed numerous films, including well-known anime series such as Ranma 1/2, Blue Box, and The Apothecary Diaries.
In addition to her work in dubbing, she is active across various fields of entertainment, including acting in commercials and television dramas, performing on stage, dancing, and pursuing a music career under the stage name Genziiy.
On this occasion, KAORI Nusantara had the opportunity to interview Genial Barzah Tanevi. What is the story behind this voice actress, who is also the younger sister of film star Bio One and Nona Berlian Sakinah? Let us take a closer look.
Hello, Gegen. Could you please introduce yourself?
Hello, I’m Genial Barzah Tanevi, but people usually call me Gegen. I’ve actually been in the dubbing industry since I was five years old, although I have only been focusing on it again more recently.
So you have been in the industry for quite a long time. Who did you learn from?
I studied under the late Mr Abud. At that time, I worked on many Disney Junior films. I also voiced Meimei in the Indonesian-language version of Upin & Ipin. He trained me directly, and his guidance has stayed with me to this day. The late Mr Abud played a very significant role in inspiring me to continue in the world of dubbing.
What made you interested in pursuing dubbing? Who first introduced you to it?
My background was actually in commercials, but my mother introduced me to dubbing through one of her colleagues. I did not fully understand it at the time because I was still very young. However, since I loved cartoons and enjoyed watching them, I became fascinated by the process. I also had the privilege of watching shows earlier than others.
From the age of five through to finishing school, how did you manage your time?
Fortunately, my school was very supportive. However, I never neglected my responsibilities as a student. There were occasions when I was allowed to leave school early. But when it was exam time, I focused on exams. When I had assignments, I completed them properly. I would usually ask for permission to leave early when necessary.
So, your schoolmates and teachers know about your career, right?
Yes, and they are very supportive. Fortunately, my grade has been good. It never hinders my activity.
Your entertainment career is not just limited to voice acting, right? Can you explain more about it?
So, I’m also a content creator, and I’m also a singer. Currently, we’re producing an original song. I also worked for some brands to promote their content. Right now, I am still focused on voice actress work, so I haven’t been acting in front of the camera lately.
You come from a family that is very active in the entertainment industry, especially your older siblings. As the youngest, did you ever feel burdened by their big names? How did you carve out your own path and success, separate from their shadow? Or did you perhaps feel privileged instead?
To be honest, at the beginning, I felt that being in their shadow was quite a heavy pressure. People expected me to achieve the same things as my siblings. However, once I realised that everyone’s path is different, and thanks to the support of my friends and family, who reassured me that I did not have to follow the same route to succeed, my perspective changed.
Now, I see it purely as motivation rather than a burden. It inspires me, but it does not dictate the path I choose.
Do your siblings support your career journey?
Very much so. They are extremely supportive and happy that their younger sister has chosen a different path from theirs, and that I genuinely enjoy what I do.
Gegen with her sister (courtesy of Nona Berlian Sakinah)
Among acting in films, modelling, dubbing, and singing, if you had to choose just one, which would it be?
If possible, in this life, I would like to be a singer.
So, have you already started building your career as a singer?
Yes, that’s right. Hopefully, it will continue to grow.
Back to voice acting, what projects have you worked on so far? Which one is your favourite?
My favourite, especially, is voicing Wednesday. In season two in particular, it was quite a challenge for me. I usually play energetic and talkative child characters, so taking on a character like Wednesday felt very different from my usual roles. I found it both challenging and exciting because it pushed me outside my comfort zone.
Gegen on the Wednesday Indonesian dub
What are your hopes for your career going forward?
In terms of my dubbing career, I hope it will gain greater recognition from the public, especially Indonesian netizens, so that they can develop more appreciation for local talent. Particularly after the controversy surrounding Merah Putih One For All, people became more aware of what professional and high-quality work should look like.
So I hope the reactions such as “Oh, it sounds like an Indian dub,” or “Oh, it sounds like Barbie,” will no longer happen. I hope audiences can be more open-minded and supportive of local voice actors.
Perhaps you could share a closing message?
I am very grateful to everyone who has supported me. I also hope that more people will have confidence in their own choices, without feeling pressured by siblings or people around them who may have certain expectations. We should continue doing what we genuinely enjoy.
The Indonesian Anime Times | Interview by Dody Kusumanto
