At Adau to embark on ‘Sada Rimba Oceana-Asia Tour 2024’, showcasing Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage

Snowdan (centre), Dr Chai (second right), Lian (second left), and other At Adau band members in a group photo following the At Adau ‘Sada Rimba Oceana-Asia Tour 2024’ press conference held at Baitul Makmur II Building in Kuching on June 28, 2024.

By Ashley Sim

KUCHING, June 28: The vibrant sounds of Sarawak are set to resonate across Asia as At Adau, the celebrated Sarawakian band known for their unique fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds, embarks on the highly anticipated ‘Sada Rimba Oceana-Asia Tour 2024’.

Supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) Sarawak, the tour will see At Adau represent the rich cultural heritage of Sarawak on a global stage.

“At Adau, our illustrious musical ambassadors, are set to embark on the ‘Sada Rimba Oceana-Asia Tour 2024’, representing and promoting the rich cultural tapestry of Sarawak on an international stage.

“At Adau, renowned for their masterful fusion of traditional Sarawakian music with modern influences, embodies the spirit of innovation and tradition that defines our artistic community,” expressed MTCP Sarawak deputy minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan during the press conference for the At Adau ‘Sada Rimba Oceana-Asia Tour 2024’ held today at the Baitul Makmur II Building here.

The tour kicks off with a high-energy performance at the Playtime Festival in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on July 7.

The Playtime Festival, celebrating its 22nd anniversary, will host approximately 120,000 festival-goers and feature over 50 groups and artists from 21 countries.

At Adau will share the stage with international sensations such as the US band ‘Deafheaven’, ‘Teenage Fan Club’, and Japan’s acclaimed band ‘toe’.

From the vast plains of Mongolia, At Adau will head to the serene landscapes of Janda Baik in Pahang for the Les’Tari Festival on July 13-14.

Here, they will perform alongside legendary artists such as Sheila Majid, Zainal Abidin, Zee Avi, and Alena Murang, further amplifying the festival’s star-studded lineup.

Snowdan further mentioned that At Adau received a RM100,000 grant through the MTCP Facilitation Fund for Heritage, Arts, and Culture to support their tour in Mongolia.

“For us, music has always been a bridge—a bridge that connects generations, cultures, and continents.

“Our fusion of traditional Sarawakian melodies with contemporary influences reflects our commitment to preserving our heritage while embracing innovation.

“This tour is not just about performances; it’s about sharing our stories, our traditions, and our passion for music with the world,” said one of At Adau’s founding members, Jackson Lian Ngau.

For those eager to follow At Adau on their musical odyssey, detailed tour schedules and updates are available on their social media accounts: @atadauborneo on Facebook and @atadauborneo on Instagram.

Also present at the press conference was MTCP principal assistant secretary of the Arts, Culture, and Heritage section, Dr Elena Gregoria Chai Chin Fern. — DayakDaily