At the youthful age of 23, B. Nicholas the eldest of two siblings stands as a promising and passionate Indian talent. His unwavering fascination with the intricate world of Malay Gamelan, a revered traditional musical art form, has not only led him to achieve mastery but has also ignited a profound desire within him. This desire is none other than to become a beacon of knowledge, imparting the rich heritage of Malay Gamelan to the forthcoming generations of Malaysians.
Gamelan is a traditional Indonesian music art form characterized by its ensemble of percussive instruments. However, the Malay Gamelan is a mesmerizing and traditional music art form native to the Malay archipelago. Characterized by its intricate ensemble of percussion instruments, such as gongs, metallophones, and drums, Gamelan produces harmonious melodies that evoke the rich cultural heritage of Southeast Asia.
Each instrument in the ensemble plays a vital role, creating a symphony of sound that accompanies various cultural and ceremonial events. With its roots deeply embedded in Malay history, Gamelan not only serves as a musical expression but also as a cultural emblem, preserving the cultural identity and traditions of the Malay people for generations.
Intrigued by the allure of this age-old tradition, B. Nicholas has devoted countless hours to honing his craft, delving deep into the nuances of Malay Gamelan. His commitment to understanding every facet of this art form has resulted in a profound expertise that goes beyond his years.
Since 2017, he has taken on a part-time role as an instructor, sharing the art of Malay Gamelan with more than 50 students from five different schools. His teaching involves imparting the skills required to master an array of traditional musical instruments, including the gong, gendang ibu, gendang anak, saron baron, jidor, serunai, and kerincing, all of which are integral components in the execution of this captivating musical tradition.
It’s truly remarkable to witness the depth of expertise achieved by this young talent, particularly in mastering a diverse array of musical instruments, some of which are deeply rooted in different cultural traditions. What is even more astonishing is the fact that he has accomplished this feat at such a tender age.
His ability to excel in the realm of music transcends boundaries, encompassing instruments that hail from various ethnic backgrounds. This not only reflects his innate musical prowess but also underscores his dedication and passion for the art form. Such a level of proficiency achieved at a young age is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to the world of music, making him a rising star in the realm of multicultural musical appreciation.
As a diploma holder in music arts from the National Academy of Arts, Culture, and Heritage (Aswara), his passion for Gamelan music can be traced back to his schooling years. It was during this time that he first encountered Gamelan, an experience that left a lasting impression on him. This introduction to Gamelan occurred in parallel with his training as a Silat exponent, further enriching his appreciation for this traditional art form.
“I grew to love the unique sound and melody of the Gamelan music after listening to it frequently during my Silat training in school. I’m very familiar with Malay traditions and culture, I guess that’s why it didn’t feel awkward. Since I was young, I’ve had many Malay friends in school, while my grandfather was a soldier, so our family spoke Malay at home.”, said Nicholas.
On Thursdays and Fridays, Nicholas delivers the knowledge of Malay Gamelan to the students, while balancing his role as a dedicated security guard at Sekolah Kebangsaan Medini. His adeptness as an instructor is evident, as his students have not only excelled but also gone on to represent Johor in prestigious national-level Gamelan competitions. Their remarkable achievements include multiple awards and the honor of performing at a multitude of formal events and functions, a testament to both their talent and Nicholas’s effective teaching.
Nicholas, who has been a devoted admirer of the iconic Tan Sri P Ramlee throughout his life, nurtures a profound aspiration. His dream encompasses the establishment of a studio in the future, where he can impart the rich essence of Malay heritage to the younger generation. Through this endeavor, he envisions not only preserving but also ensuring the continuation of this distinctive cultural legacy.
Nicholas stated that, I don’t see a problem if we want to learn about other races’ traditions and cultural heritage, as Malaysia is unique in its racial diversity. What’s important is to preserve this heritage, no matter who the individual is.
His perspective reveals that, regardless of his non-Malay background, he perceives no barriers in music’s ability to foster unity among diverse ethnicities. He believes music serves as a bridge, enabling individuals to explore the distinctive qualities of each culture, ultimately promoting greater understanding and harmony among races. This shows the unity and understanding among multicultural community in the nation.
Source: New Straits Times
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