Malaysian musicians shine at inclusive arts event in New Delhi

(From left) Wong, Wan Zareef, Lim, Johnson and Ling of Malaysian band Jimi Z are also music teachers in Petaling Jaya. Photo: Music Mart

Music transcends boundaries, and Malaysian band Zimi J, comprising five youths with high-functioning autism, made their international debut at Sambhav, an event celebrating artists with disabilities in New Delhi, India recently.

The event was held from Nov 30 to Dec 2 and was organised by the Association for Learning Performing Arts and Normative Action.

Sambhav, founded in 2006 by classical dancer Alpana Nayak, is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting inclusive growth for individuals with disabilities through the arts. Since its inception, the event has been held annually in New Delhi.

Zimi J, founded in 2018, features guitarist/vocalist Joshua Daniel Johnson, 30; vocalist Salvador Ling, 23; pianist Maxx Lim, 22; drummer Ilyas Wong, 28; and bassist Wan Zareef Nuqman Wan Ahmad Kamal, 26.

‘It was so cool to perform in front of everyone at the concert,’ says Wan Zareef. Photo: Maxx LimDuring the Sambhav concert, the band performed Johnson’s compositions like Short And Sweet and Hello Malaysia. The concert showcased talents from children and youth with disabilities, including autism, visual and hearing impairments, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy.

Wan Zareef said it was an honour to showcase his talents to a large audience during the concert.

“It was so cool to perform in front of everyone. I truly enjoyed playing with my bandmates during the concert. I also met many other talented musicians from many countries,” said an ecstatic Wan Zareef during a Christmas luncheon in Petaling Jaya, Selangor recently.

For the members of Zimi J, music goes beyond performance. They are all music teachers at Music Mart (MM), a music school in Petaling Jaya, where they impart their musical knowledge to both neurotypical students and those with autism, teaching instruments such as drums, keyboard and guitar.

Over 150 persons with disabilities from 12 countries, including Australia, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Nepal, came together for Sambhav, held at the India International Centre.

Thanks to events like these, persons with disabilities can showcase their talents and prove to others that disabilities will not hold them back from achieving their dreams.

'Music helps children with special needs express themselves and develop social skills,' says Nathaniel. Photo: Filepic

Talks were held for practitioners working with persons with different abilities, catering to dance therapists, music therapists and mental health professionals. Exhibitions of artwork by artists with special needs, including paintings, sculptures and woven crafts, were also showcased at the event.

During Sambhav, MM founder and co-founder of the music band Aseana Percussion Unit (APU) Edwin Nathaniel, 63, held a music therapy session called Rise.

APU came up with Rise, a syllabus for children with different types and varying levels of learning disabilities, including those with autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. It encourages children with disabilities to create music using percussion instruments – or everyday items like frying pans and chopsticks – while having fun.

“Music helps children with special needs express themselves, build focus and develop social and motor skills.

“With the right teaching methods, it creates an inclusive space where every child can grow and shine,” said Nathaniel, who co-authored R.I.S.E. (Rhythm Interactive Special Enabler) in 2022, a music therapy book designed for people with special needs.

He was also a recipient of the 2022 Star Golden Hearts Award for his contributions to music education for children with disabilities.