Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Nusantara Music

  • A. Khalim, N. H. (Organiser)
  • Paul Augustin (Invited speaker)
  • Adil Johan (Invited speaker)
  • Azmyl Yusof (Invited speaker)
  • Rachel Ong (Invited speaker)
  • Baulch, E. (Session chair)

Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Contribution to workshop, seminar, course

Description

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Nusantara Music

The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Nusantara Music talks and forum offered an insightful look into the multifaceted world of Nusantara's musical influences and identities. As a melting pot of various cultural influences, Nusantara has cultivated a unique musical identity that transcends both geographical and social boundaries. This event brought together musicians, scholars, and music enthusiasts to explore how globalization and local traditions collide and coalesce in Nusantara's musical tapestry.

Paul Augustin discussed the trilateral collaboration among Malay, Indian, and Chinese cultures in the works of P. Ramlee, the Alleycats, and Sudirman, all iconic figures in Malaysian entertainment. He also shared his experiences running the Penang Island Jazz Festival which has attracts a global audience and has established itself to be one of the most important musical festivals in Southeast Asia.

Adil Johan explored the confluence of diversity in Malaysian music and the monoculturalization impact of the New Cultural Policy of 1973 on it. Explore more music here: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQGALorsPPvxUstzBKqhtfolazq8DWzaQ&si=CR0HIMQ-4ZX0fiUo

Rachel Ong discussed how cities like Kuala Lumpur serve as spaces for those who live at the margins of socio-cultural norms to express their identities and subjectivities through music. These cities offer a concentrated view into the materialization of sexual identity, politics, performances, and paradoxes.

Azmyl noted that Nusantara exists in the mundane, the sub-texts and the in-between, emphasizing that music and culture do not need to be exoticized for global audiences. He shared his song with a message against cultural and moral policing, titled "Skodeng Blues": https://youtu.be/KvHNujacmAg?si=02CBX4tyPw0NFFsG

Finally, Azmyl on guitar and Adil on saxophone performed "Mary Mon," a song based on Usman Awang's short story "Untuk Malaya Merdeka."

Paul: https://www.instagram.com/thepaulaugustin/ , http://www.penanghouseofmusic.com/
Adil: https://www.instagram.com/adilj/
Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/rachelscarlet/
Azmyl:https://www.instagram.com/azmylyunor/
Period5 Sept 2023
Event typeSeminar

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