| Izah Azahari |
LOCAL music band, A Band Once, left yesterday morning as representatives of Brunei Darussalam to perform in the ‘One Voice: The Best of ASEAN Performing Arts 2018’ at the Victoria Theatre in Singapore on November 9.
The delegation will perform alongside nine ASEAN member countries in the event organised by the National Arts Council, Singapore, band members said. It will be an unforgettable cultural experience showcasing top song-writing talents from across the ASEAN member countries.
The members said they feel honoured and flattered to be chosen again to represent Brunei for another music event.
“Being exposed to such a big stage event provides us many opportunities in so many areas of cooperation – be it the creative fun side to music or the more serious aspects such as business and sharing of best practices among musicians,” said the band’s second guitarist Syafiq Affendy.
“It is up to us to make use of our time here to expand our networking and reap these opportunities. So hopefully when we get back we will have a new goal or project to work on.”
Drummer ZulFadhli Omarali added that their passion for music has not faltered throughout the years and as they continue to make music. Their hopes, from day one of forming the band, still stand until today – to share their music everywhere and spread positivity through it.
“From this we’re sure that indirectly we will be highlighting Brunei on the world map as we, hopefully, gain more followings from outside,” added the drummer.
The event will also see performances from Asia 7 (Thailand), Cambodian Pop Band (Cambodia), Clara Benin (Philippines), Istamuzika Istana Budaya (Malaysia), Mia Ismi & Kiel Dharmawel featuring Berto Pah (Indonesia), Nam Fon (Lao PDR), Tim De Cotta (Singapore), Yangon Nuac Ensemble (Myanmar), and Young Dreamers (Vietnam).
A Band Once performed in India last year at the ASEAN-India Music Festival 2017. They have been chosen to represent Brunei yet again for another musical event.
Formed in 2006 in Brunei, A Band Once was originally conceived as a three-piece rock band that later became a sextet to give the band a fuller sound.
While the band was first created as a means for a couple of friends to hang out and jam to their favourite songs, the band’s passion for music led to the members writing their first song, Te’a and the band has been on a roll ever since, winning numerous Pelangi awards in different years, RTB Awards and a few others.