Asadia hosts ‘betaboh’ music class in Kuching

SIBU (Aug 30): The Academy of Sarawak Dayak Iban (Asadia) recently conducted a ‘betaboh’ or Iban traditional percussion class at its cultural centre in Kota Sentosa, Kuching.

The session which commenced Aug 9 was the 20th held by the academy and involved some 14 participants, including two children aged 10 and 12, said Asadia head cum organising chairman Mabong Unggang.

“The class was conducted by Victoria Jimy, assisted by Bronica Michelle who is Asadia’s former ‘betaboh’ student,” he said.

The participants were taught on how to play the ensembles of copper gongs, namely ‘engkerumong’, ‘bebendai’ and ‘tawak’, and the ‘kedebong’, a cylindrical piece of traditional drum, to the melodious beats of the taboh music from Saratok and Batang Rajang.

“The students will then perform their ‘betaboh’ skills during their class completion ceremony,” said Mabong, adding that most of their former students had managed to master the arts of playing the traditional musical instruments.

“Some of them (former students) even showcase their skills in public,” he added.

He said such cultural arts initiatives would not only help preserve the Iban culture but could also be a source of income for the course participants.

For more information on Asadia’s cultural classes, contact Mabong on 012-6925562 or Victoria (012-2161485).