The theme for this year’s special performance was ‘Kekal Beraja, Kekal Bernegara’, describing a wise king leading his subjects and country towards prosperity and peace by upholding the principle of Malay Islamic Monarchy allowing Brunei to continue to be a sovereign monarchy and a Muslim country, said joint chair of the special performance for His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s 77th birthday celebration, Muhammad Amir bin Haji Umarali.
He said this during the get-together in the Tutong District yesterday.
The field performances, he said, “were divided into three segments. The first segment is Raja Terunggul Dirahmati Tuhan which is religious based, while the second segment was Raja dan Rakyat Berpisah Tiada depicting the intimacy of the king and the people, especially in the areas of the country’s development and the welfare of the people as well as peace and prosperity of the country.
“The third segment Kekal Beraja, Kekal Bernegara was the grand finale, which saw performers come together in a display of loyalty for His Majesty, who is loved by his subjects”.
The concept of the stage performance “is unique as it is adapted to a sheltered stage to allow the performance to continue in the event of rain. In addition, this year’s performance included participation of local artistes and members of the creative industry such as songwriters, singers, performers, music composers, dancers, hadrah teams, choir groups and backup singers”, he said.
Some 479 individuals were involved in the special performance comprising primary and secondary school students, youth, representatives from public and private sectors, volunteers and professionals.
Training started in May, focusing on performance concepts, music and dance involving professionals, youth and civil servants, while training with students started in June.
“The comprehensive training began at the Tutong District Civic Centre Complex this month,” said Muhammad Amir.
“I am proud of the performers. They showed the best discipline and commitment. The spirit of love for His Majesty and the country were written all over their faces, making it an energetic display before His Majesty and members of the royal family.”
Meanwhile, Masburah bin Suhaile, who played the traditional guitar of gambus in the opening act of the special performance, said, “We had been practising since May. I performed in the opening act and the grand finale. It was a real honour to perform before His Majesty, an ecstasy that I also felt when I performed during the National Day celebration.”
Gambus, he said, “is a traditional instrument resembling a lute. I bought mine from Turkiye and I have been playing gambus for a long time. Since the age of nine, I have been experimenting various traditional music instruments.”
Meanwhile, backup singers Nor Alif bin Soffian, Hazron Sahat, Muhammad Syafiq bin Haji Alihan, Nor Amarinah Amir, Siti Norana Moslah and Asyraf bin Haji Alihan expressed their delight to represent Tutong District in the special performance.
“This year is special because the performance also involved students,” they said. – James Kon
