MELDRICK BOB
Drummer, percussionist and band
leader of At Adau
When in Sarawak, Meldrick Bob says, it’s
essential to get a tattoo — namely, the ‘bunga
terung,’ a distinctive coming-of-age symbol
that’s seen on the skin of locals and visitors
alike. It’s not just about marking the self
with ink, but connecting cultures. “When
people come here, they always want to get
a tattoo. Afterwards, they celebrate it and
that’s where friendships begin.” Those with
the urge will ind Sarawak’s most gifted
tattoo artists at the Rainforest World Music
Festival, where Bob will play together with
tattooed sape player Ezra Tekola and their
four bandmates.
Bob and the other members of At Adau
all hail from diferent tribes, including
Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu. They bonded
over music and a shared mission. “We
want to involve more traditional elements
in our band and make it cool again.” They
fuse instruments such as sape with drums,
electric guitar and bass, and are playing
at the festival for the fourth time. “Two
years ago, we were so excited to introduce
everyone to the sound of At Adau. People
started to realise that traditional music can
mix with modern sounds, something that’s
more accepted nowadays. We’re honoured
to perform again this year.” While at
RWMF, he says music lovers shouldn’t miss
out on the local rice wine, Sarawak laksa,
kolo mee noodles and a dish of chicken
IMAGES: SUKU MENOA; AT ADAU; SAUFI AIMAN YAHYAcooked in bamboo called ayam pansuh.
Q&A
What is the sape?
The sape (pronounced
SA-peh) is a traditional
musical instrument of the
Orang Ulu community
that’s been used for more
than 400 years. It was
originally designed for use
during healing rituals and
went on to be popular for
traditional dance.How do you make the
music more current?
From 2000 onwards,
we started to develop
a new musical style
called ‘contemporary
sape’, where we tune the
instrument diferently. It
can then be played with
other modern instruments.What does music
mean to you?
I’m a classical guitarist,
so I love how music can
conjure up emotions. The
sape is one of the most
soothing instruments
I’ve ever heard. We use
modern technology to add
ambience, then place new
melodies on top.What activities can
travellers do at RWMF?
There are lots of music and
dance workshops. I’ll be
there teaching the sape,
but you can learn other
instruments or dances.
Everything is taught by
rainforest performers. It’s a
great place to learn about
global cultures.What else should
travellers in Sarawak?
The most memorable thing
about Sarawak is the food.
If you love olives, you
should try the dabai, which
are very sour. We tend
to eat them with salt or
soy sauce — they have an
interesting lavour.Any festival tips?
I hope sape music will
inspire people — not just
entertain them, but also
make them fall in love
with the cultural music of
Sarawak. At the festival,
people should get involved
and try to learn everything,
because it makes for one
great experience.SAUFI AIMAN YAHYA
Performer, Saui Sape’starFROM LEFT: Suku Menoa;
At Adau; Saui Aiman YahyaPARTNER CONTENT FOR SARAWAK TOURISM