24 Festive Drums ignites Johor arts festival

The show case of the 2nd International Invitation of 24 Festive Drums was held at Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Johor Bahru on 1 September, 2012.

Tan Chai Puan, told Citizen Journalists Malaysia (CJMY) that he founded the 24 Festive Drums in Johor Baru in 1988 with the late Tan Hooi Song.

On 14 February, 2009 the 24 Festive Drums was listed as a national cultural heritage by the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry and since then the festive drums have been spreading around the world to as far as the United States, United kingdom, Taiwan, China, Singapore and even to Africa.

Now there are about 300 troupes of festive drums in the world.

Malaysia has become the biggest importer of  buffalo drums in the world from China.

Tan is also inviting the public to the 2nd International Invitations of 24 Festive Drums Competitions 2012 on September 15, 2012 at the Johor Bahru indoor stadium at 7.30pm for the spectacular performances that will bring 7 international and 8 national drum troupes together.

Koh Chung Wei, 23 from the JB Drum Enterprise told CJMY that he started learning the festive drums  at the age of 13.

Being the instructor of the team, he found it to be challenging  as he has to take care of and constantly coach the team members.

Teams from Foon Yew High School (Johor Baru), Foon Yew High School (Kulai), Chung Hua High School (Seremban), Jit Sin High School (Penang), SMJK Yu Hua (Kajang), SMJK San Min (Perak) and two troupes from East Malaysia will performe at the event.

Tickets are available at RM10 each  from SMJKC Foon Yew, Foon Yew High School, Southern College and the Johor Baru Chinese Heritage Museum  at 42, Jalan Ibrahim, Johor Baru. For details call 07-224 9633.