‘24 Festive Drums’ is a heritage performance that originated in Johor Bahru and was created by two legendary Malaysians; Mr Tan Chai Puan, a cultural activist, poet and businessman; and the late Mr Tan Hooi Song (passed away in August 2008), a renowned musician. They shared the same vision and, with missionary zeal, worked together to create the 24 Festive Drums in 1988. 

The 24 drums in this performance represent the cycle of 24 festivals in the lunar calendar of the Chinese agriculture community, with each drum representing one festival. A full team completes the cycle of 24 festivals in the lunar calendar that for thousands of years have guided the farmers in their agriculture activities in China. In 2009, 24 Festive Drums was recognised as a Malaysian National Intangible Cultural Heritage, and has since been embraced across 5 continents, with over 400 troupes around the world.

The theme of “LaguKu”, performed by Orang Orang Drum Theatre, explores the multi-faceted Malaysian identity through music. This performance blends vocal expression and physical movement with diverse music instruments from different cultures, such as the aboriginal people of Malaysia (kuling tangan), Malay (Gendang, Kompang), Chinese (Shigu), Indian (dhol) and world music instrument (shaker, wood xylophone, etc). The Malaysian identity is neither singular nor reductive. Rather, similar to this performance, it is layered and interwoven with an inexplicable combination of shared values, cultures, and experiences.

One of the highlights of this performance is “The Memories”. This song is inspired by the history of Malaysian Chinese ancestors migrating southward in search of a way out, wishing to gain survival on foreign land. This echoes with the Johorean lifestyle today - a constant state of chaotic movement across borders and cities in the pursuit of a collective memory.

‘Drum Up JB!’ will be housed as a permanent show in the state-of-the-art Permaisuri Zarith Sofiah Opera House built by R&F. There will be 2 shows every month on an ongoing basis. This program is supported by R&F Development, Think City, Iskandar Regional Development Authority, Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru, and Malaysia Digital Districts.