Page 111 - The Guide To Sarawak

THE GUIDE TO SARAWAK 109
From house band to international world music ambassadors. The Sarawak Cultural Village’s Tuku Kame, with band leader, composer and arranger Narawi Hj Rashidi in the centre.
every year to recognize
the best artists and other contributors. Awards include Best New Artiste, Album of the Year, Best Album Cover and Best Music Video.
Tuku Kame (Our Rhythm) was founded in 1998
as the resident band of
the Sarawak Cultural Village to accompany
daily cultural shows. They have another persona where they use traditional Sarawak instruments
from more than 30 ethnic groups to present a more contemporary mix. Under bandleader, composer and arranger Narawi Hj Rashidi they have won numerous accolades, including the 12th World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Hollywood and the MTV Breakthrough Award. Some band members have also emerged as solo artistes in their own right - virtuoso sape player Jerry Kamit, as well as percussionists Joe and his talented young son Ainal.
The ‘Hendrix of the Sape’ – Jerry Kamit performs one of his signature solos.
Modern Ethnic Music
Many ethnic communities, notably the Iban and Bidayuh, have adopted regional musical styles such as joget, keroncong and dangdut, as well as western-style ballads, to produce songs reflecting their own languages and
culture. The Dayak Artistes and Musicians Association (DAMA) was set up to promote the interests of Dayak performers, and
also to assist and support local composers, music producers, film and TV producers. One of their key activities is to hold concerts showcasing their members’ talents. DAMA also holds the Dayak Music Awards
DAMA concert.