Adib Noor
In the heart of Brunei, a groundbreaking collective known as the Elisha Tiga Experiment (ETX) is revolutionising the perception of jazz music. Spearheaded by the visionary Elisha Tiga, this pioneering group is redefining traditional Bruneian music by fusing it with contemporary jazz influences.
ETX serves as a melting pot, bringing together talented musicians from diverse backgrounds, creating a sonic tapestry that is both innovative and captivating.
The latest venture by ETX, aptly titled ‘The Traditional Eksperiment’, embarks on a journey to explore Bruneian traditional music through the lens of jazz.
Under the guidance of Elisha, this project unites some of the most gifted musicians in Brunei, inviting them to conceive fresh sounds while incorporating their instruments and expertise.
I recently had the opportunity to witness a special preview session hosted by the band, during which it was shared that by merging musicians of different backgrounds and influences, the collective aims to propel Brunei’s musical heritage into the 21st Century, igniting a vibrant cultural renaissance.
According to ETX, Elisha is a bass player, music producer, and composer with a seven-year tenure in the industry, who has collaborated with artistes from around the world. His passion lies in exploring the infinite possibilities of creating connections between music genres, cultures, and geographic locations, regardless of their sonic differences.
He is joined by Aisyah, a multi-talented music producer, singer, songwriter, and composer known for her lush arrangements and immersive storytelling, the collective gains a distinct vocal perspective.
Meanwhile, Adrian Tiga, an accomplished guitarist and master of the traditional Bruneian instrument Sape, brings his expertise from the underground rock scene. With a deep appreciation for niche areas of music and an understanding of the historical and cultural contexts behind them, Adrian adds layers of richness to ETX’s compositions.
Zul, a violinist who has traversed classical and traditional music realms, eagerly embraces new genres and ensembles, expanding his musical knowledge and complementing the collective’s unique sound.
Adin, the dynamic drummer, has left an indelible mark on the Bruneian music scene as an artist and producer. His diverse discography spans genres such as pop, R&B, funk, and LO-FI, further enriching the ETX repertoire.
Yazid, a seasoned Bruneian musician, has dedicated years to the study of traditional Malay music. With a deep passion for education and research in this field, Yazid brings a wealth of experience to the collective, ensuring the preservation of Brunei’s musical heritage.
Ubai, the percussion maestro, discovered his passion for percussion instruments in 2002.
His love for the various percussive traditions across different cultures allows him to create a dynamic blend of styles, crossing boundaries and generations to express rhythmic musical expressions in innovative ways.
During the preview session, Elisha Tiga revealed that the Traditional Eksperiment aims to bridge the gap between traditional music and contemporary ideas. By infusing elements of jazz into Bruneian traditional melodies, the collective aspires to foster a deeper appreciation of heritage and tradition among future generations.
I had the opportunity to witness the session and was left spellbound by the band’s chemistry, as they effortlessly merged jazz with the indigenous Alus Jua Dendang, creating a truly extraordinary musical experience.
As Elisha passionately explained, “Jazz is a genre deeply influenced by personal experiences and the ever-changing lives of its musicians.”
It is through this transformative power that the ETX casts a captivating spell, drawing listeners into a mesmerising trance. By incorporating talents from various artistic backgrounds, including hip-hop, R&B, traditional indigenous music, underground post-rock, and electronic music, ETX pays homage to the essence of jazz while forging new and uncharted territories in Brunei’s musical landscape.
The ETX Traditional Eksperiment was recently introduced to a live audience and the band has more in store thanks to their undeniable potential and thirst of exploration. The collective can be found sharing their work and pieces on social media and other online musical platforms.
