GREAT SHOW: Drum troupes from Malaysia, United States, United Kingdom, China, Taiwan and Singapore are taking part
JOHOR BARU: FOR the first time in the 24-year history of the 24 Festive Drums event, national and international drum troupes will be performing at the 9th Johor Baru Arts Festival.
The 2nd International Invitation & National 24 Festive Drums Competition 2012, which is part of the festival, will bring together seven international and eight national drum troupes for a spectacular show at the Johor Baru Indoor Stadium on Sept 15 at 7.30pm.
At the launch of the 2nd International Invitation & National 24 Festive Drums Competition recently, Johor Baru Tiong Hua Association president Lim Ik Kim said the event was part of the association's 90th anniversary celebrations.
"In 2010, fans came to Johor Baru from as far as mainland China," said Tan Chai Puan, who founded the 24 Festive Drums in Johor Baru in 1988 with the late Tan Hooi Song.
It was listed as a national cultural heritage by the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry on Feb 14, 2009.
Since its introduction, this unique art of drumming from Johor has spread to Singapore, Taiwan, China, Thailand, Switzerland and the United States, with more than 300 troupes worldwide.
In 2008, Malaysian students in Oklahoma State University started the first 24 Festive Drums troupe in the United States.
It was a very proud experience for the M24D troupe as they were invited to perform at half-time for the NBA games in Oklahoma City in 2010.
The foreign troupes taking part include the M24D troupe, the University of Liverpool troupe from the United Kingdom, and troupes from China, Taiwan and Singapore.
Fans can also look forward to being wowed by troupes from Foon Yew High School (Johor Baru), Foon Yew High School (Kulai), Chung Hua High School (Seremban), Jit Sin High School (Penang), SMJK Yu Hua (Kajang), SMJK San Min (Perak) and two troupes from East Malaysia.
Tickets are available at RM10 each from SMJKC Foon Yew, Foon Yew High School, Southern College and the Johor Baru Chinese Heritage Museum at 42, Jalan Ibrahim, Johor Baru. For details call 07-224 9633.
Lim Ik Kim (fourth from left) and Tan Chai Puan (5th from right) and other organisers at the launch of the 2nd International Invitation & National 24 Festive Drums Competition.Pix by Peggy Loh
The Foon Yew High School troupe from Johor Baru performing at the Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Walk recently.
The M24D troupe of Oklahoma State University, United States, is taking part. Pix by Peggy Loh
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