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Sarawak’s Star Violinist Nisa Addina At Borneo Jazz

Sarawak’s Star Violinist Nisa Addina At Borneo Jazz

KUCHING, Wednesday –Sarawak-born award winning violinist Nisa Addina and her band Fluoroscent Collective will share the Borneo Jazz stage with renowned international artistes including Japan’s Osaka Monaurail and Canada’s Laila Biali, this May 12 to 13 at ParkCity Everly, Miri.

Making headlines at the young age of 14, Nisa won three gold awards at the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Hollywood in 2011 and the Anugerah Juara Lagu (AJL) 29 in 2015. She has since gone on to study at Berklee College in the United States, where she joined Fluoroscent Collective in 2015, a band of Berklee students founded by Boston-based Malaysian pianist and recording artist, JennHwan Wong, known as Jenn-the-Redman.

Nisa has been busy performing since 2011, taking stage at events like the Johor International Music Festival in 2012, the launching of the ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards and the Launch of Malaysia’s 50th Anniversary celebrations in 2013, as well as the Global Summit of Women in Kuala Lumpur in 2013 and again in France in 2014, as well as the Opening Closing of SUKMA 2016 in Kuching.

Nisa has even played for a president, having performed for the Official visit of President of China to Malaysia at Seri Perdana in 2013 and launched her first album “Yakina” in 2014, at 17 years old, and her second album “Tan Sri P. Ramlee” in 2015.

While Nisa’s journey hasn’t been easy, it has certainly been rewarding, and she has taken inspiration from different mentors who have taught her along the way, including her piano teacher who inspired her to take up violin at the age of 7, her parents and her peers who are like-minded in their passion for music.

“Since entering college and meeting many more people around my age doing the same thing as me, I find myself discovering different worlds of music that I didn’t delve into in my school days. It’s so beautiful. I wish to share that,” she said during an interview with Sarawak Tourism, explaining her passion for music, a passion she wishes to share. “It’s not just a form of entertainment, for me, it shares peace and love.”

Considering Nisa’s accomplishments before she has even graduated from Berklee, her life story has become an inspiration to local musicians in Sarawak and the rest of Malaysia.

As Nisa inspires them, she also continues to encourage them, urging them that “Sarawak needs you”. Nisa has urged people to support local artistes and musicians, “They are better than you think. My message is to tell everyone that art is not useless.”

Fluoroscent Collective will be performing a mix of genres from Rock to RB, pop to Blues, taking nice melodies and melding them with catchy, odd-time grooves to make their own unique repertoire. Every member contributes to their original compositions, whether individually written or drawn up as a group effort.

They’ve recently released a Live HD Cover Video of Miles Okazaki’s composition “Spiral,” and their originals include Point 7, Orange Line in Jackson and Sunny will be performed at Borneo Jazz.

Bands from Netherlands, Guadeloupe, Japan, South Africa, Italy, USA, Taiwan and countries from around the world will be performing at the Festival.

The Festival will be expanding its musical outreach programme, where aspiring musicians can learn the basics of Jazz Keyboard from professional musicians, by introducing additional classes for percussions and more.

The Festival includes night performances with sitting and dancing areas and a wide lawn for night picnics surrounded by arts, crafts and food stalls.

Festival tickets are available now and more information can be found at www.jazzborneo.com.

Borneo Jazz is organised by Sarawak Tourism, endorsed by Tourism Malaysia and is jointly supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Sarawak and partnering with Malaysia Airlines as the presenting sponsor.

BJ2017 Flourescent Collective

Image shows band members of Fluoroscent Collective, with Nisa at second from left and Jenn-the-Redman fourth from left.

BJ2017 Nisa Addina

Image shows Nisa Addina’s Album Art for the album Tan Sri P. Ramlee (2015).

Issued by:

Communications Unit
SARAWAK TOURISM
T: +6 082-423600  F: +6 082-416700
E: [email protected]

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Freedom To Be Blue: DELGRES In Borneo Jazz

Freedom To Be Blue: DELGRES In Borneo Jazz

KUCHING, Saturday – The three-man band Delgres from Guadeloupe and France will be performing their Blues at Borneo Jazz on May 12 to 13 at ParkCity Everly, Miri.

A child of Caribbean heritage born and raised in France, Pascal Danae discovered his love of Blues in his ancestral home of Guadeloupe, and in the painful but meaningful history behind the conception of the Blues genre.

Originating in Louisiana, United States during a turbulent time of post-slavery racism, the creation of Blues was a response from the descendants of African slaves and Afro-Caribbean exiles to their daily hardships, as well as their protest against discrimination.

The namesake of the band ‘Delgres’ is Louis Delgres, a Guadeloupian hero who fought against the re-establishment of slavery in 1802.

By mixing Guadeloupian beats and tunes with old Louisiana Blues, a connection has been made over oceans, creating a singular Blues experience of two lands sharing a common denominator, which is using music to lament injustice while rejoicing and advocating freedom.

Through his music, Pascal Danae seeks to fight oppression in the way that founders of Blues did, channelling the voices of his ancestors through a melancholic Dobro guitar accompanied by sousaphone and percussions, painting a picture in a time when hopelessness and hope came together.

Pascal performs the Dobro guitar, while Raphaël Gouthiere plays the New Orleans sousaphone and Baptiste Brondy mans the drums.

This year marks the 12th edition of the festival and will feature international acts like Delgres from Guadeloupe/France, Laila Biali from Canada and Osaka Monaurail from Japan, along with local legends such as Fluoroscent Collective featuring local violinist Nisa Addina and Michael Simon’s Asian Connection, featuring legendary pianist Michael Veerapen.

The Festival will be expanding its musical outreach programme, where aspiring musicians can learn the basics of Jazz Keyboard from professional musicians, by introducing additional classes for percussions.

The Festival includes night performances with sitting and dancing areas and a wide lawn for night picnics surrounded by arts, crafts and food stalls.
Additional information on the festival and festival tickets, visit www.jazzborneo.com.

Borneo Jazz is organised by Sarawak Tourism, endorsed by Tourism Malaysia and is jointly supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Sarawak and partnering with Malaysia Airlines as the presenting sponsor.

BJ2017 Delgres

BJ2017 © Remy Solomon

BJ2017 ©Pierre Danae

Photo by ©Pierre Danae

BJ2017 delgres

Issued by:
Communications Unit
SARAWAK TOURISM
T: +6 082-423600  F: +6 082-416700
E: [email protected]

About Sarawak Tourism

Introduction
Sarawak Tourism Board was incorporated under the Sarawak Tourism Board (Incorporation) Ordinance, dated 12 November 1994.

Objectives

  • To achieve its objectives of increasing tourist arrivals into the state.
  • To create awareness among the trade, media and public of the diversity of Sarawak in terms of tourism products, both on a regional and international basis.
  • To position Sarawak as a prime destination for culture, nature and adventure tourism in the above areas.
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Got A Yearning For Free Music Lessons?

Got A Yearning For Free Music Lessons?

KUCHING, Tuesday – The Borneo Jazz “Outreach Programme,” a free music learning session, is back by popular demand and will be held over the festival weekend at ParkCity Everly Hotel, Miri.

The Programme is held on the Borneo Jazz festival days and provides aspiring musicians with teaching sessions led by professional performers, some of them veterans in mentoring the younger generation.

On Friday, May 12, the class called “Make Me Hip” teaches contemporary keyboard at 2.00pm to 3.30pm led by James Boyle of ‘Akademi Seni Budaya Dan Warisan Kebangsaan’ (ASWARA) College. The drumkit and percussions concert clinic, “I Got Rhythm!” will be at 4.00pm to 5.30pm on the same day, led by CaboCuba Jazz’s Nils Fisher and Armando Vidal.

On May 13, the class on improvising at the keyboard, “I Want To Break Free” is at 9.30am to 11.00am led by Michael Veerapen from the Michael Simon’s Asian Connection. The final class on brass instrument technique and tone production, “Blow Your Horn!” will be at 11.30am to 1.00pm and is led by Michael Simon and Terry Hsieh from Michael Simon Asian’s Connection.

The Programme was launched last year with one session on keyboard, and received great response from the public. Sarawak Tourism has decided to expand it further to incorporate a wider range of instruments.

It is also part of Borneo Jazz’s goal to not only promote the appreciation of music, but also encourage and further enhance the technical skills of local aspiring musicians especially the young.

Interested parties need to register in advance with the Miri Music Centre.  More information on the Outreach Programme can be found on the festival website at www.jazzborneo.com.

Borneo Jazz is organised by Sarawak Tourism, endorsed by Tourism Malaysia and is jointly supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Sarawak and partnering with Malaysia Airlines as the presenting sponsor.

CABOCUBA - Nils

Image shows CaboCuba Jazz’s Nils Fisher, co-conductor of the “I Got Rhythm!” Drumkit and Percussion Concert Clinic.

CABOCUBA - Armand

Image shows CaboCuba Jazz’s Armando Vidal, co-conductor of the “I Got Rhythm!” Drumkit and Percussion Concert Clinic.

BJ2017 Outreach James Boyle

Image shows ASWARA College’s James Boyle, conductor of “Make Me Hip!” Contemporary keyboard class.

MICHAEL SIMON - PubPhoto - Michael Veerapen-2

Image shows Michael Simon Asian Connection’s Michael Veerapen, conductor of “I Want to Break Free!” keyboard improvisation class.

MICHAEL SIMON - PubPhoto - Michael Simon

Image shows Michael Simon, co-conductor of “Blow Your Horn” brass instrument tone production and technique class.

BJ2017 MICHAEL SIMON outreach

Image shows Michael Simon Asian Connection’s Terry Hsieh, co-conductor of “Blow Your Horn” brass instrument tone production and technique class.

Issued by:
Communications Unit
SARAWAK TOURISM
T: +6 082-423600  F: +6 082-416700
E: [email protected]

About Sarawak Tourism

Introduction
Sarawak Tourism Board was incorporated under the Sarawak Tourism Board (Incorporation) Ordinance, dated 12 November 1994.

 Objectives

  • To achieve its objectives of increasing tourist arrivals into the state.
  • To create awareness among the trade, media and public of the diversity of Sarawak in terms of tourism products, both on a regional and international basis.
  • To position Sarawak as a prime destination for culture, nature and adventure tourism in the above areas.
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Malaysia Travel Guide

Japan’s Osaka Monaurail In Borneo Jazz

Japan’s Osaka Monaurail In Borneo Jazz

KUCHING, Monday – Japanese Jazz veterans, Osaka Monaurail will be performing their ‘superheavy funk’ Jazz at Borneo Jazz in May 13 to 14 at ParkCity Everly, Miri.

From their humble beginnings in Osaka University in 1992, Osaka Monaurail has gone from a large band of over 20 musicians, to a 10 person Jazz machine, collaborating with soul/funk legend Marva Whitney, one of James Brown’s original Funky Divas, and producing two albums, three European tours and two Japanese tours before she passed away in 2012. They also collaborated with world- famous trombonist Fred Wesley in 2012.

After 20 years, the funkiest orchestra that Japan has to offer is still top of their game, with their sharp suits, dazzling display of brass twirls, and still bringing their “superheavy funk” to their audience.

Front man, Nakata, runs his Shout! Productions label and continues to play a major role in soul/funk in Japan. His company has been responsible for: reissuing a string of Soul/Funk albums and movies such as “Superfly” (1972), “Coffy” (1973), subtitling “Sweet Sweetback’s Badasssss Song” (1971), “Badasssss” (2004) and “Soul Power” (2009); most recently releasing “Edification of Weldon Irvine” (1976) on DVD.

The group was named after the 1975 funk classic, “It’s The J.B.’s Monaurail” (misspelling intentional), and has kept the heavy James Brown-esque influence in their music over the years.

Signed to RD Records in 1999, OM released its first album entitled “What it is – What it was” in 2000, followed by nine albums: three more albums on RD Records; four albums on P-Vine Records (signed 2006-2009); and the latest “State Of The World” on King Records (2011–present). In Europe, the last three albums are available on Unique Records (Dusseldorf, Germany).

Osaka Monaurail is led by Ryo Nakata (vocals and keyboards), includes Kentaro Yamagata and Teihei Awaji (trumpets), Shimon Mukai (tenor saxophone); Dan Hayami Yuichi Ikeda (guitars), Dai Nakamura (bass), Soki Kimura (drums).

This year marks the 12th edition of the festival and will feature international acts like Delgres from Guadeloupe/France, Laila Biali from Canada and Osaka Monaurail from Japan, along with local legends such as Fluoroscent Collective featuring local violinist Nisa Addina and Michael Simon’s Asian Connection, featuring legendary pianist Michael Veerapen.

The Festival will be expanding its musical outreach programme, where aspiring musicians can learn the basics of Jazz Keyboard from professional musicians, by introducing additional classes for percussions.

The Festival includes night performances with sitting and dancing areas and a wide lawn for night picnics surrounded by arts, crafts and food stalls.

Additional information on the festival and festival tickets, visit www.jazzborneo.com.

Borneo Jazz is organised by Sarawak Tourism, endorsed by Tourism Malaysia and is jointly supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Sarawak and partnering with Malaysia Airlines as the official sponsor.

OSAKA MONAURAIL - BJ2017

Issued by:

Communications Unit
SARAWAK TOURISM
T: +6 082-423600  F: +6 082-416700
E: [email protected]

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Malaysia Travel Guide

Potensi Wisata Sarawak Berkembang Pesat

Acara olahraga, festival budaya dan musik telah menjadi bagian yang penting dan sangat diperhatikan oleh Dewan Pariwisata Sarawak untuk tujuan promosi pariwisata. Serangkaian kegiatan dan atraksi yang diharapkan dapat meningkatkan jumlah kunjungan wisatawan ke Sarawak juga telah dilakukan sepanjang tahun ini dalam rangka untuk mendukung kampanye “Malaysia Year of Festival” yang diselenggarakan oleh Kementerian Pariwisata Malaysia di Kuala Lumpur.

Pariwisata adalah pilar utama ekonomi di Sarawak yang menempatkan negeri ini dilandasan yang tepat untuk mengatasi jumlah kedatangan wisatawan tahun lalu sebanyak 4,8 juta. Pendapatan sektor pariwisata Sarawak juga telah meningkat sebelum terjadi penurunan kedatangan wisatawan yang melanda Negara-negara Asia sejak awal tahun ini.

Selain acara Regatta Internasional yang diadakan pada bulan September lalu, ada lebih dari 14 acara utama yang diselenggarakan di Sarawak pada tahun ini termasuk Rainforest World Music Festival, Borneo Jazz, Borneo International Kite Festival dan Pesta Benak.

Meskipun angka-angka kedatangan wisatawan di wilayah Asia nampak tidak terlalu baik, bagi Sarawak, masih ada ruang untuk memperbaiki pertumbuhan. Kemajuan dalam Meeting, Incentive, Convention, and Exhibition (MICE) akan menjadi nilai tambahan yang bisa memperkuat sektor ini.

Sarawak telah memenangkan tender untuk menjadi tuan rumah International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), sebuah konferensi internasional yang akan diadakan di Kuching pada tahun 2016.  Acara ditingkat nasional dan internasional yang diselenggarakan di Sarawak diharapkan menghasilkan lebih 248 hari konferensi dan diperkirakan RM42.3 juta (USD 9.8juta) dalam pengeluaran delegasi langsung.

Satu lagi bidang pariwisata yang menghasilkan adalah pengembangan ekowisata, termasuk kegiatan seperti mengamati burung dan menyelam. Keterlibatan komunitas etnis telah menjadi bagian penting dalam strategi pariwisata di wilayah ini, dengan Kementerian Pariwisata yang  mendorong partisipasi masyarakat pedesaan melalui program inap desa (homestay).  Dalam program ini, para wisatawan  dapat menyewa kamar dari sebuah keluarga dengan suasana rumah sendiri dan kegiatan yang berbasis komunitas. Sebanyak lebih dari 17 juta wisatawan mengunjungi inap desa sepanjang tahun lalu.

Meskipun begitu, perbaikan sistem transportasi amatlah perlu diberi perhatian jika sektor ini akan dikembangkan pada masa mendatang.

Tantangan utamanya adalah untuk meningkatkan perhubungan udara agar dapat mendorong perkembangan sektor pariwisata negeri ini.  Dewan Pariwisata Sarawak telah banyak menjalin hubungan kerjasama dengan perusahaan penerbangan utama di wilayah ini untuk meningkatkan hubungan udara serta berusaha meningkatkan frekuensi penerbangan yang ada.

Dalam rangka untuk memperkenalkan potensi-potensi pariwisata yang ada di Serawak, Dewan Pariwisata di Sarawak akan mengadakan Sarawak Expo pada tanggal 27 – 29 November 2015. Yang akan mengisi kegiatan ini adalah beberapa Rumah Sakit Spesialis, Instuitusi Pendidikan, Hotel dan Travel Agency dari Kuching.

Ada dua kegiatan yang akan dilakukan :

  1. Business Session (trade event) – diadakan di Mercure Pontianak Hotel pada 27 November (terbuka untuk undangan agen perjalanan dari Sarawak dan Pontianak saja)

Sarawak Expo (consumer fair) – 18 booth pameran pariwisata di Ayani Mega Mall pada 28 dan 29 November (terbuka untuk umum).

Sarawak ke pontianak

Team dari Sarawak bersedia untuk ke Pontianak, Sarawak Expo 2015

Issued by:

Corporate Communications Unit
SARAWAK TOURISM BOARD
T: + 6 082-423600
F: + 6 082-416700
W: www.sarawaktourism.com
E: [email protected]