BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: A vibrant fusion of tradition, music and contemporary performance captivated audiences during the Brunei-Muara Royal Get-Together Ceremony held in the capital on Wednesday (July 29), as hundreds of students, youth performers and persons with disabilities united in a special tribute celebrating the 80th birthday of His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
The 18 to 21-minute production, themed “Menjunjung Raja Tampuk Negara” (Honouring the Monarch, Pillar of the Nation), reflected the people’s respect, gratitude and unwavering loyalty towards His Majesty while celebrating Brunei Darussalam’s rich cultural heritage and the unity of its multicultural society.
Performance director Fathan Anuar said the theme served as the foundation of the production, guiding its artistic direction and overall message.
“The theme became the main inspiration for us in creating this performance. Every element, from the music and choreography to the storytelling, was developed to reflect the identity of Brunei Darussalam and the deep bond between the Monarch and the people,” he said.
Blending traditional dance, vocals and live music with modern progressive elements, the performance adopted a pop-traditional concept, with around 90 per cent of the production featuring a fusion of contemporary rhythms and traditional instruments.
The presentation unfolded through three interconnected segments, beginning with the Berdatang Sembah welcoming dance, which represented the people’s heartfelt respect and loyalty towards His Majesty during his royal presence among the people of Brunei-Muara District.
The opening procession saw participants carrying the tipai in a graceful formation, symbolising reverence and honour for the Sovereign.
The second segment, “Harmony in Diversity”, highlighted Brunei’s cultural richness through traditional ethnic elements and portrayals of community life, including scenes inspired by life on land and in the iconic Kampong Ayer. It showcased the peaceful coexistence of communities with different backgrounds, traditions and livelihoods, united by shared values.
The final segment, “Celebrating Inclusivity”, featured a special performance by persons with disabilities, showcasing their talents and participation in the national celebration. The segment highlighted the importance of compassion, inclusion and recognising the contributions of every member of society.
The grand finale brought all performers together in a vibrant showcase that transitioned from traditional rhythms into contemporary arrangements, accompanied by an original composition performed by established Bruneian artistes.
The production featured students from secondary schools, Bruneian youth and persons with disabilities, supported by live musical performances from the Phuturephase Cultural Group Orchestra and the Brunei Youth Symphony.
Fathan said careful planning and collaboration were key to bringing the large-scale production together. Early preparation allowed the team to coordinate performers, choreographers, vocalists and trainers while ensuring students received proper guidance throughout the rehearsal process.
“Alhamdulillah, because we started planning early, we were able to minimise challenges. The strong teamwork between government agencies and all related organisations has been truly inspiring. Regardless of their positions, everyone was willing to turun padang and contribute towards making this performance a success,” he said.
He also expressed his appreciation to all performers, coaches, organisers and supporting agencies involved in the production.
“Masha Allah Tabarakallah, thank you to everyone who has contributed from the very beginning until the end. Your dedication, passion and hard work have made this performance possible,” he said. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
