If you have not heard of cultural band At Adau’s latest song — “Samah Rami”, which was launched a month ago — then this is your cue. And if you have, it’s time to hit replay. The song’s music video, which was uploaded on their official YouTube page under ‘At Adau Band’ on Gawai Eve, showcases the unity and harmony of the different races in Sarawak as they celebrate their roots.
Sharing further, band member Jackson Lian said the song reflects the experience of Gawai and the unity it fosters.
“It is evident that we can get together with family and also invite old and new friends to join the celebration, regardless of skin colour, race, or religion. From this celebration, we can enjoy and share the sound and music that has been passed down from our ancestors.”
Directed by Zul Jaini, and produced and composed by the band themselves, Jackson revealed that the song features various traditional musical instruments blended together to create a rich harmony. Just like the melody created by these instruments, he believes that people — despite their differences — can come together to create something equally beautiful through peace, unity, and harmony.
Among the instruments used are the jatung lutang (a wooden xylophone from the Orang Ulu), sape, and various Dayak percussions, along with the guitar, bass, and synthesiser to enhance the song’s vibrance. For “Samah Rami”, the band introduced a touch of EDM — unlike their previous songs, which leaned more towards traditional elements.
“It is important for us to blend both [tradition and modernity], as the past is our ‘teacher’ — it guides us and reminds us of who we are in this modern era. But we cannot move forward if we refuse to embrace new things, especially as the world is evolving so rapidly. To preserve the past, we must weave it into the modern world to spark interest among the younger generation,” he added.
At Adau debuted in 2014 and currently consists of seven members:
Ezra Tekola – vocals, sape, nose flute
Meldrick Bob – vocals, drums and percussion
Luke Wrender – sape, vocals
Alfanso – percussion, synthesiser
Cedric – guitar, jatung lutang
Clement Cyril – bass, vocals
Lian Ngau – vocals, percussion, peratuong
