“Nusantara” – which translates to "archipelago" in Indonesian – encompasses the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions across the Southeast Asian islands, particularly within Indonesia. And its music, which in turn is shaped by indigenous influences, colonial histories and modern innovations, reflects the multifaceted heritage of these very islands.
Nadi Singapura: How a group of Singapore musicians are rekindling the art of traditional Nusantara music one beat at a time
FEATURES
11 October 2024
By Rytasha Passion Raj
While not specifically associated with Indonesian music, “Nusantara” music encapsulates the entire historical and geographical context of Indonesia. From the rhythmic beats of traditional “gamelan” (an umbrella name for various kinds of melodically focused percussion ensembles from Indonesia) to the soothing melodies of “keroncong” (a small ukulele-like instrument and an Indonesian musical style), “Nusantara” music embodies the identity and soul of its people.
Today, this cherished art form is practised and preserved by ground-up initiatives like Nadi Singapura, an ensemble of young, aspiring musos specialising in traditional Malayan drums and percussions.
Founded in 2011, Nadi is led by two prominent figures in the Singapore Malay arts scene: “Rebana” artisan Yaziz Hassan, and acclaimed drummer and percussionist Riduan Zalani. Together, they aim to establish Nadi Singapura as a dynamic ensemble that brings an innovative perspective to “Nusantara” style drumming, by presenting the region's sounds in a unique and captivating way.
Nadi, meaning “pulse” or “flow of consciousness” in Malay, is a vibrant ensemble of talented and passionate musicians that hail from Singapore. There are close to 40 active members in total, with about 7 to 15 members performing at any given time. They showcase a variety of drums commonly found in Singapore – including the “kompang”, “rebana”, “jidur” and “gendang” – in an effort to represent the diversity of this culture and art form.
“We acknowledge that within the Malay community, there are many sub-ethnic groups that are not represented well when we say ‘Singapore Malay music’,” said Zalani. “Drawing from that, we tried as much as we could to learn about the music of these groups – from the Javanese to the Banjarese, and the Minang Kabaus to the Pattanis – and tried to formulate and compose music that is exciting, as well as visually enticing.”
This fusion of the signature styles helmed by each sub-ethnic group, paired with their engaging stage presence and a splash of contemporary music styles, allows Nadi to create unique arrangements that showcase the versatility of these traditional instruments while appealing to a wider audience and breathing new life into age-old conventions. That being said, it remains most important to Nadi that they ultimately still hold true to the essence of “Nusantara” music.
During their segment for the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) opening show “Ceremonial Enactments” in 2022, Nadi performed a piece called “293NW” (pronounced “293 degrees North-west”) that combined festive drumming and dancing as a homage to traditional Malay weddings.
“The Malay wedding is the grandest celebration one could have ever dreamt of. We want to bring about the excitement, the enjoyment, the happiness, the love and warmth in the ceremony,” said Zalani in a previous interview for SIFA, where he shared about this particular performance that showcases Nadi’s commitment to authenticity.
They featured “hadrah” drums, which are commonly played at Malay weddings, alongside lesser-known drums typically heard on the roadsides of Sumatra and Jakarta. By incorporating these folk instruments, Nadi not only honoured the cultural significance of these rhythms but also created a deep connection to the roots of “Nusantara” music.
This dedication to the art form allows for an overall captivating listening experience where each beat and melody tells a story. The inclusion of “hadrah” drums brings forth the celebratory spirit of Malay weddings, while the roadside drums evoke the lively atmosphere of bustling streets in Indonesia.
For Zalani, the drums – which date back to the early development of human civilisation – are so significant that each culture has their own specific percussion instrument, styles and rhythms. “These traditional drums represent where we come from,” he shared. “And that’s why I feel that there is a strong need to continue, not just to preserve, but to create and excite people, and invite them to be a part of this journey together.”
“Everything in Nadi Singapura is an ongoing process; a conscious effort to continue to learn, create and excite as to build a supportive scene in our island,” said Zalani.
It’s evident that Nadi’s commitment to preserving “Nusantara” music extends beyond their performances. They are actively involved in community outreach, sharing their knowledge and passion with the public. They hold regular arts education programmes and workshops that allow participants to engage with traditional instruments, learn about the cultural significance of “Nusantara” music and experience firsthand the joy of creating music together.
Currently, they’re involved in ArtsEverywhere@CDC – an initiative by the National Arts Council, People’s Association and the five Community Development Councils (CDCs) that showcases the arts in five districts across Singapore – to perform live and hold fringe activities that let attendees immerse themselves in this art form.
Through these initiatives, Nadi Singapura not only fosters an appreciation for traditional arts but also cultivates a sense of community. They empower individuals to connect with their cultural roots, bridging generational gaps and fostering a collective identity.
Nadi will be performing on Oct 18, 19, 20 at Our Tampines Hub, Braddell Heights Community Hub and Keat Hong Neighbourhood Shopping Centre respectively.
Image Credits: Leiden University Library, Nadi Singapura, Singapore International Festival of Arts, ArtsEverywhere@CDC
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