KUCHING: The traditional art of ethnic drums took centre stage at the Pesta Pukulan Gendang Etnik Nusantara at the Godown Amphitheatre, Waterfront here on Friday night.
Featuring different cultural backgrounds, the festival aimed to celebrate and promote the traditional art of ‘gendang’ on the international stage.
Assistant Tourism Minister Datuk Talib Zulpilip was present at the two-day festival to officiate the ceremony.
The festival served as an opportunity for members of the public to be introduced to the ethnic ‘gendang’ from all over Malaysia as well as to learn about it.
The festival also aimed to educate the public on the importance of preserving the nation’s identity in the face of development.
The festival also aimed to draw the attention of tourists from both domestic and international levels to continue in the path of becoming a cultural city and aimed to encourage new talents to hone their skills in the traditional art.
Eight groups participated in the festival, featuring troupes consisting of Ibans, Orang Ulus, Melanaus and Malays from Sarawak alongside international groups from Terengganu, Kuala Lumpur and Pontianak, Indonesia.
Among the groups are Kumpulan Seni Anak Siol (Iban, Sarawak), Sri Kenyalang Tiga (Melayu, Sarawak), Pewaris (Melayu, Sarawak), Motella Dance Group (Orang Ulu, Sarawak), Heritage (Kuala Terengganu), Komunitas Musik Pinang Sekayu Campursari Kinaryo Laras (Pontianak, Indonesia) and Kebudayaan dan Kesenian DBKL.
Also present at the officiating ceremony and festival was Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Datuk Bandar Datuk Abdul Wahap Abang Julai.