Drums are used across the globe, capturing the life and soul of a country or culture. Rosheen Fatima immerses herself in the tale of one drum group, to see how Malaysian their music truly is

Their lithe, powerful bodies beat the drums in perfect synchrony, occasionally weaving around and over the drums in time with the beats. Clad in vibrant red, their expressions add to the rhythm of the drums, telling tales steeped in passion and culture. These drums are not the tribal drums of Africa, the traditional Taiko drums of Japan, the Dhol of India, nor the Rebana Ubi of the Malays.
These drums are the traditional drums of China, given new life through the efforts of the Hands Percussion team. Fused with different drum styles, music genres and local instruments from around the world, as well as those from Malaysia. The group has put a spin on the art of drumming, making it a fusion of styles, genres and artforms. Making it completely rojak, but yet (excuse the cliché), truly Malaysian.

Hands Percussion began officially in 1997, practicing traditional Chinese 24 drums – which was founded in Malaysia in 1988, and was given recognition as a form of local culture on Valentine’s Day this year. Now, founders, artistic director Bernard Goh and administrative director Eric Ch’ng, have incorporated different styles into their pieces, using the traditional Chinese style as their base. Keen to learn and progress through different styles of drumming and cultures, Bernard says ‘I want the members to learn and really grasp the art of percussions. I want them to believe in the possibility of bringing Chinese drums further. I believe we need to explore more.’ Starting out as a very traditional Chinese drumming group, Hands is now about fusion and multiculturalism, from the music and genre, to the costumes worn by the performers and even to the audience who watch their shows. ‘It shouldn’t be about attention and pleasing the audience. For me, the merging of the different instruments should be about the natural progression and growth of the music,’ he explains.    
 
Part of the process of encouraging diversity and the growth of the art of drumming in Malaysia is to begin with younger generations. Having previously taught traditional Chinese drumming in local schools, Bernard and Hands have now progressed to teaching over 700 students between five and 20 years old, in 19 schools. This includes a group of deaf students who perform under the name Deafbeats. Hoping to one day open a drum centre, Bernard aims to be able to bring drumming to a more recognisable level in Malaysia. And the team takes this task very seriously indeed, thoroughly committed to practicing every weekend; from 4pm to 10pm on Saturdays and from 7am to 7pm on Sundays. Beginning their days with exercises to build up their stamina and fitness levels for their strenuous concerts and performances. ‘You have to let them fall in love with drumming, if they really are in love with the drumming, they won’t leave it.’

Having performed all over the world, from Thailand, China, the Netherlands, Belgium, Doha, Adelaide and Greece, the different cultures of the world have left their mark on the team. And they in turn would like to share it with Malaysians. Their upcoming event, ‘Kaleidoscope – Hands Drumming Festival 2009’ personifies their fusion principle with a competition, performances and workshops. Bringing in different percussion companies, two Malay groups, one Indian Dhol group and a Japanese group, the festival looks set to be a success. Shooting off to France soon after the festival ends, Hands Percussion will be there for six weeks, performing in five separate French festivals by invitation.      
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
A recipient of three Boh Cameronian awards, Hands Percussion recently won the Boh Cameronian Award 2009 for best production values in the music category, for their 2008 show ‘Drum Slices 3 – Rhythm Ride’. This self-funded group are keen to raise more funds to further their efforts and to attract more attention to this form of local culture. ‘If we keep on doing only the traditional thing, it really limits us, but it is good, because it really forces us to think, “What is Malaysia?” Truly Asia? [Laughs] Ok la, that’s the slogan. But we want our performances to truly represent Malaysia, both visually and musically.’ Bernard explains, ‘because drums are different, they speak for themselves and transcend language barriers. Drums are the heartbeat of music and nations.’ Well spoken, now let’s just pray that one day this nation really begins to listen to its heart and transcend its own barriers, following the drumming of its people.