Jakarta, IO – Artists from Papua and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) made a splash at the 7th Melanesian Arts and Culture Festival (MACFEST) in Port Vila, Vanuatu.
The artists consist of Michael Jakarimilena, Lala Suwages, Frans Sisir, and Boii Soasoa. They performed Melanesian-style songs with Indonesian characteristics such as Kawarine, Wayawai Windawe, Diru Diru Nina O, and others. A troupe of dancers from Papua, Kasbi Dance, also enlivened the event.
In addition, the village music group Leisplang from Maumere, NTT, also performed the Ikun B’eta dance, followed by the songs Sora (Song For Children) and Gemu Fa Mi Re. They also played various traditional musical instruments such as Gong, Waning, Sa’ur, Jimbe with Terren Bass, Juk (Ukulele), Benyol (Benjo), and violin to create a distinctive harmony in each of the song.
The Leisplang group felt proud to be performing overseas for the first time. Erik, a member of Leisplang, expressed his pride at the appreciation and enthusiasm of the Vanuatu public and is excited to continue preserving their traditional music.
Putri Nere, one of the representatives from the Papuan team, said the Melanesian festival is an opportunity to show that Melanesian culture is an integral part of Indonesia’s cultural diversity.
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MACFEST 2023 saw the gathering of artists from the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) member countries and Indonesia as an associate member with other countries such as Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and the Front de Libération Nationale Kanak et Socialiste (FLNKS). The event took place from July 19-31 and was organized by MSG’s local partner, the Vanuatu Kaljoral Senta (Vanuatu Cultural Center). (rr)