When I was 11 years old, my late grandfather introduced me to calligraphy, sparking a journey that would eventually lead me through the Kembara RIUH Malaysia Festivals. Although I wouldn’t consider myself an expert, “decent” would be a fair assessment. My grandfather was a master calligrapher, his works brimming with the essence of Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage. Despite his influence, I never felt drawn to follow in his artistic footsteps, preferring PlayStation and social media.
Fast forward 12 years, and during this year’s Ramadan, as I cleaned out his old house, I stumbled upon his hidden sanctuary. Among his calligraphy and artwork, a newfound passion emerged, leading me to explore Malaysia’s vibrant Kembara RIUH festivals. These events perfectly blend tradition with modernity, offering a spectacular glimpse into the country’s creative pulse.
As I sifted through his calligraphy and artwork, something ignited within me. I found myself drawn into the depth and detail of his pieces, particularly those inspired by Malaysia’s diverse culture. It sparked an interest I didn’t even know I had. But where to start exploring this newfound passion?
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It was later that night after breaking my fast and performing my prayers, I was aimlessly scrolling through Instagram when I stumbled upon a friend’s post. It looked like an artsy, music-filled event, something vibrant and exciting. The energy in their photos practically jumped out at me, so much so that I couldn’t resist the urge to explore it for myself. They tagged the location at Sentul Depot, so I grabbed my Yamaha Ego S and thought, why not? I had to see if it was worth the hype. Well, as most people say, “The rest is history.”
After a 20-minute ride through Kuala Lumpur’s bustling streets, I finally reached the event—RIUH Sama-Sama Raya. “RIUH?” I thought, a bit sceptical. Could it really live up to such an energetic name?
Spoiler Alert: It was even better than I imagined.
Hosted at the iconic Sentul Depot, the event fused tradition and modern creativity into a mesmerising experience. Traditional crafts coexisted with contemporary art, and the performances—featuring legends like our Nation’s No. 1 Singer, Dato’ Siti Nurhaliza and the great Jaclyn Victor—were breathtaking. The seamless blend of heritage and innovation was nothing short of magical, leaving me utterly captivated.
April brought another adventure—Tambak RIUH Beraya in Johor, where the spirit of Raya was still palpable, but with a distinct southern twist. Although I had passed through Johor countless times, this was my first deep dive into its rich culture. One thing I remembered fresh was, the art market was a visual feast, showcasing everything from dynamic street art demonstrations to engaging pottery workshops. From this moment I knew, Johor’s creative scene was truly alive and buzzing.
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In fact, the atmosphere was reminiscent of a bustling Pasar Malam, with an array of colourful stalls and lively street performances that made the experience feel both familiar and exhilarating. Among the many discoveries, I stumbled upon a local brand that quickly became a favourite. Their unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern flair was captivating, and it felt like finding a hidden gem—much like when I uncovered my grandfather’s secret art collection. It was a weekend full of exploration and enchantment, offering a fresh perspective on a state I thought I knew well.
But the experience that truly hit home was RIUH x Hari Belia Negara in Melaka. The collaboration with Kementerian Belia dan Sukan (KBS) for RIUH x Hari Belia Negara in Melaka was a unique fusion of youthful energy and creativity. The spotlight was on the next generation of creative talents, and the historic streets of Melaka came alive with young artists and entrepreneurs showcasing their work.
What made it even more special for me was witnessing Hujan’s performance. Having grown up with their music, seeing them live and for free was surreal! Their set was filled with raw energy, and as they played their iconic tracks like “Kotak Hati,” I couldn’t help but feel the nostalgia. Their blend of indie rock pulled the crowd together, making everyone get up and move with the rhythm, transcending generations.
The fusion of heritage and modern creativity was on full display that day, with Hujan embodying that perfect mix of nostalgia and fresh energy. Hearing their lyrics live —
“Terang terang….bersama rasa sayang….ku biarkan kau terbang…terang terang sudut kecil ku isi…untuk senyuman mu lagi“,
just reminded me of the journey I’ve shared with their music through the years. It felt like a full-circle moment for me.
Then came the June edition of RIUH OOHA! in Sarawak, and let me tell you—Sarawak blew me away. It was my first time visiting Borneo, and the anticipation of exploring Kuching’s landscapes and culture was palpable. The Neo-Nusantara theme hit the nail on the head, blending traditional indigenous elements with futuristic aesthetics. I wandered through the artisan stalls, learning about Sarawak’s cultural heritage firsthand, and even picked up a few words of the dialect.
Kuching, with its lush forests and rivers, felt like stepping into a world where past and future coexist harmoniously. I spent hours soaking up the atmosphere, and as I stood amidst the crowd, watching live performances while the sun set behind the mountains, I realised something profound—this was more than just an event. It was a celebration of Malaysia’s creative heartbeat.
Now, I’m eagerly anticipating the next chapter: RIUH Bah! in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, happening on 14-15 September 2024 at the Sabah International Convention Centre, perfectly timed for Malaysia Day. Wanting something different for this special occasion, I decided to fly all the way from KL to Sabah to celebrate. I’m excited to immerse myself in the unique blend of traditional Sabahan dances and contemporary performances.
With the festival’s stunning venue overlooking the sea, I expect it to be as visually breathtaking as it is culturally rich. Just as I did in Sarawak, I hope to explore Sabah, learn the local dialect, connect with the people, and discover their traditions firsthand. I’m looking forward to that same sense of awe and discovery, as I uncover yet another side of Malaysia’s rich culture.
I heard that the legendary Anuar Zain might make an appearance! Now, just imagine this: sitting by the beach, with the soothing sound of waves in the background, while Anuar serenades the crowd with his timeless ballad “Sedetik Lebih.” It’s the kind of moment that makes you stop and take it all in—music, nature, and pure magic blending into one unforgettable experience. Honestly, just the thought of it sends chills down my spine!
Looking back, it’s incredible to see how far this journey has taken me, from Kuala Lumpur to Sarawak and now soon all the way to Sabah, with every stop offering a deeper glimpse into Malaysia’s creative soul. Kembara RIUH has opened my eyes to the beauty of our local arts, and what started with my grandfather’s calligraphy has now blossomed into a full-blown passion for discovering the rich tapestry of our country’s culture.
So, if you’re like me—someone who’s curious, —I encourage you to join the Kembara RIUH journey. Who knows what you’ll discover along the way?
Filed in: RIUH
