Adib Noor
Over 3,000 performers enlivened the 39th National Day atmosphere with a showcase of traditional and patriotic songs, dances and imagery at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien yesterday.
The celebratory performance began with a demonstration of silat by national athletes, who had made a mark on the international stage for Brunei Darussalam.
This was followed by the reading of the National Day Oath by 39 youth from various sectors.
After the oath, performers took the stage to showcase traditional dances accompanied by songs such as Jipin Laila Sembah, Bandar Seri Begawan and Brunei Bumi Bertuah.
The music was performed by 139 members of the Senandung Budaya Traditional Orchestra, whose members comprise traditional musicians from the seven ethnic groups of the country, and included students from primary and secondary schools as well as higher education institutions.
It is the largest orchestra of its kind in the country, and played with traditional musical instruments such as gong, tawak-tawak, tangan and gambus to accompany the performances on the field yesterday,
Acting Director of the Culture and Arts Division at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Haji Mohd Abdoh bin Haji Awang Damit explained this year’s performance emphasised on the importance of cultural heritage of the nation’s identity to achieve the goals of Brunei Vision 2035. He said Brunei’s cultural heritage will help unite the people in developing and loving the nation.
Amieza binti Dukong, a representative of traditional musicians from Kampong Batang Mitus, shared they have been practicing from January, and the performance is the largest for most of the musicians involved.
The youngest of which is nine-year-old gong player Alfiee Darwish bin Basar who shared he was excited to perform on the big stage.
