LANGKAWI – Kraftangan Malaysia launched its Langkawi Craft Musical Fest 2021 on Sunday filled with sensory excitements that dazzled audiences at the Langkawi Crafts Complex in Teluk Yu.
Around seven craftsmen nationwide were specially flown in to educate and entertain the crowd with their music and artistry, some known to Malaysia while others yet to be widely discovered.
The hallways of the complex were brought to life after two long years by the magical chimes of the traditional musical bamboo instrument known as angklung to the echo tunes of the gambus, rebana, gendang and kompang as well as the unique sound of the sompoton and serunai.
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Locals and travellers joined in to support the week’s event by exploring and getting acquainted with participating artisans and entrepreneurs.
Kompang maker Mohd Ismail Abd Rahim, 43, shares that the methods of creating each of the traditional hand drums featured during the festival differ according to the type and the craftsmen behind them.
“If you compare between the kompang and the rebana, we use a different type of wood to create the frame.
“The drumhead that we use for the former is mainly goatskin (for higher pitches), while the latter can shift between cow and goatskin depending on the sound preference,” he said.
Ismail began his foray in producing kompangs back in 2007 and has been doing it full-time ever since.
“It’s a family tradition, in which I am the second generation of. I decided to continue this art passed down from my late father (who passed away about seven years ago) and formed a small-scale company because the demand for it is considered high, apart from having a deep interest in music,” said the business graduate. He also hosts workshops back home for those interested to learn the basics of kompang making and materials.
“On normal days, I am based in Johor Craft Complex, but just like other craftsmen here for this festival, I will be in Langkawi until the 19th. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and skills.”
Craftsman George Albert who brought together with him the traditional Sabahan instrument known as the sompoton shared how the history behind it is more than just an age-old entertainment device.
“Historically, the sompoton was used for courtship. And this is why (even today) the instrument can be seen played at some weddings (among the Kadasan and Dusun communities) to mark unions,” he said.
“However, I must note that it is indeed a dying tradition. Few among the young can make the instrument as the craft is very intricate and takes time to complete (much like others).
The sompoton is the free-reed mouth organ and has a gourd wind chamber from which extend eight pipes are arranged in two rows. There are bamboo reeds in seven of these pipes only, and three of these pipes do not have sound holes and are played by closing and opening the tops of the pipes with fingers of the right hand. It can be played with the pipes pointing up, as is done with smaller instruments, or with the pipes pointing either sideways or down with larger instruments.
“Curious visitors are encouraged to ask us about the background of our crafts because there is a story to be learned. This is what makes the country vibrant,” added George.
Langkawi Craft Complex director Muhamad Razib Saruddin notes the most interesting part about the festival is being able to see how the traditional musicians were able to come together spontaneously with their craft and play music in tune with each other.
“This was a nice surprise despite them having their booths to showcase the different types of musical instruments, they managed to come together as one. This impromptu type of performance is one of the experiences visitors can expect if they decide to join and celebrate the melodies of Malaysia.
Razib highlights that while this is only the first of future Kraftangan Malaysia’s initiatives to make events and engagements more interactive, “it seems to be already a good start because we can see the delight on people’s faces as they actively engage and explore what local crafts can offer."
“Having the event kick-off in Langkawi also makes it a great way to latch on the opportunity of having the island as Malaysia’s travel bubble,” added Kraftangan Malaysia (Kedah) director Rosman Manan who was also present at the event.
He notes that programmes and activities similar to the ‘Langkawi Craft Musical Fest 2021’, will deepen the appreciation we have towards local crafts and musical instruments, be it the art or the product.
“Kraftangan hopes to continuously empower future generations to form a national identity that looks at heritage lovingly, holding it with high regard so that it is not forgotten or swallowed up by time.” – The Vibes, December 16, 2021
