The 24 Festive Drums tradition was started back in 1998 when the opening ceremony of the 9th National Chinese Dance Festival in Johor saw – or better to say heard – the first performance of this new drumming art which combined percussion with music. This tradition later travelled to China and worldwide and was eventually recognized the Malaysian National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009.
This year's festival is a part of the 30th anniversary celebration of the 24 Festive Drums tradition. The festival will comprise the National Championship and the International Show. For the national championship the best troops from five regions of Malaysia have been chosen. To imagine the popularity of this tradition, just figure out, that Johor Bahru alone has 6000 drumming groups of 25,000 drummers totally!
On August, 24th, 10 winning troops of totally 300 drummers from across Malaysia will demonstrate their skills. On August, 25th, international troops from China and Singapore will thrill the funs of drumming art.
Get Some Noise – Johor Bahru Welcomes Drum Festival
News in Asia
The 5th International Festival of 24 Festive Drums 2018 will hit Johor Bahru on August 24 and 25. The even will be held at the Pasir Gudang Corporation Stadium. Drumming fans, here's your next destination!