Feature by Camy Tam

“Hush!! Full Music 2020”, an event organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) in conjunction with the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM), started on June 21 with an online gig called “Music Day Online” as well as a raft of music activities last week in different areas of the city such as music workshops, according to a statement by the bureau.

The statement underlined that the workshops aim to promote diverse kinds of music and provide exchange opportunities for artists and participants.

Local musicians share tribal musical instruments – asalato and handpan

The first workshop entitled “A World Music Percussion Workshop – Learning Asalato and Handpan” by local band ASURA was held on July 4 at the Macau Contemporary Art Centre – Navy Yard No. 2. 

Two sessions had been arranged for the two instruments. Participants were divided into two groups of about 12 people each in order for them to learn about both instruments.

One of the key members of ASURA, Dave Wan Kuan Kao, told The Macau Post Daily that the “handpan”, “Hang Drum”, “pantam”, and “UFO Drum” are different names for a closely related family of relatively young musical instruments. The instrument is made of two convex half shells of steel glued together. The instrument is played with the hands, it has tuned notes on the top and sometimes the bottom half can also be played with the hands.

Wan said since the instrument is played with the hands, it produces softer sounds, almost like raindrops which are soothing and healing. He said the handpan has the effect of healing our inner-self and emotions.

Another key member of AUSRA, Lobo Ip Chi Iong, told The Macau Post Daily that the asalato is a traditional west African musical instrument also known as kashaka which is a percussion instrument consisting of two small gourds filled with beans. It has been further developed in Japan.

The musicians joyfully shared their knowledge and skills with participants at the workshop. All participants had a lot of fun learning about the instruments.

At the last part of the workshop, the band put on a performance to express and share their passions as well as creativity with the participants through their music.

For more information about the band and the handpan, please visit the following websites:

https://www.facebook.com/macaowms/

https://www.sarazhandpans.com/news/history-of-handpan-hang-and-pantam-drums/

Joe Lei Chon shares his life experience & source of inspiration

The second workshop entitled “What Can Lyrics Tell Other Than Love?” was held on July 5 at the same venue, by local composer, lyricist and music theory instructor Joe Lei Chon, who shared with participants his experience of writing lyrics and the source of his inspiration.

Lei gave participants an encouraging presentation which was both informative and enlightening. In order to write good lyrics, he advised those attending to read more books to improve their knowledge as well as critical thinking. He also reminded attendees to pay attention to little details in our daily life which normally quickly slip our minds. Lei showed those present some pictures of what messages can be found in the images. He interacted with participants and encouraged everyone to share their views.

Lei reminded participants to be mindful and explore associative thinking as well as the ability to solve problems. He advised the audience to write positive messages or lyrics to express gratitude to their loved ones such as parents, besides their lovers. Lei encouraged the participants to care for the disadvantaged and to participate more in social responsibilities. Lei shared a song he wrote last year called “Never succumb” on which he collaborated with the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau (DSEJ) and Public Security Police (PSP). The song is about bullying in school which has become a hot-button issue. This song encourages everyone, young people in particular, to help those who are in need or to ask for help as bullying can have a big impact on one’s life if it is ignored. 

The Macau Post Daily thanked Lei for his insights which added some colour to our lives, making everyone feel warm and grateful of what they have.

“Hush” will end next month.  

Lobo Ip Chi Iong (centre) of ASURA shows the participants at the Macau Contemporary Art Centre – Navy Yard No. 2 on July 4 how to play the asalato.

Joe Lei Chon talks about a song he wrote about bullying in school.

Dave Wan Kuan Kao (left) of ASURA interacts with a participant to play the handpan.

ASURA performs with tribal musical instruments.

Joe Lei Chon interacts with a participant at Navy Yard No. 2 on July 5.

ASURA performs on asalatos. Photos: Camy Tam