AT ADAU originated in Sarawak, Malaysia on the island of Borneo.

The group started as an ambiance traditional contemporary world music band in June 2014 driven by the spirit of traditional Sape’ tunes blended with traditional percussion from the different tribes in Borneo such as Bidayuh, Iban, and Orang Ulu.

AT ADAU combines the traditional Bornean sounds of the Sape’(traditional lute from Orang Ulu) together with traditional drum and percussion such as Perutong (Bamboo Zither from Bidayuh tribe), Beduk & Kidibad (drum from Bidayuh tribe), Tekebung (drum from Iban tribe) and blend with modern instrument such as drum set, electric and bass guitar. AT ADAU experiments with the fusion of modern and traditional instruments to create innovative and timeless music.

The name AT ADAU comes from the combination of words from two Bornean languages. AT refers to “roots” in the Bidayuh tribe’s language, and ADAU in the Kenyah dialect is the name of the preferred tree used to craft the Sape’, a traditional stringed instrument of Borneo. AT ADAU believes that music has the power to overcome all the walls and barriers of culture, gender, age, language, and ideological differences. AT ADAU musical creations do not only represent their feelings and expressions but also reflect peace, serenity, appreciation for nature and a deep love and harmony between people around the world, regardless of cultural backgrounds, races, and boundaries.

About us

MELDRICK BOB UDOSStarted being involved in music at the very young age as 10 years old, playing the drums.

Collaborated with various types of bands in Sarawak, Thailand, and the Philippines as a sessionist drummer and percussionist for exposure and to gain more experience.

Inspired by a Sape’ master under the Malaysian National Heritage, known as Mathew Ngau Jau, Bob slowly started learning some of the traditional percussions from Sarawak such as Bedok, Kidibad, and Ketebung. Bob is also exposed to other Latin percussions, such as Conga, Djembe, and Cajon.

Learning the roots of the Bidayuh and Iban traditional drumbeat from the senior from his village. He is also learning to play the groove and drumming about djembe and conga from the world famous percussionist, Steve Thorton and joined workshops conducted by a Djembe educator, Timothy Dabrowsky.

Key member of the DrumCall Community in Sarawak and has performed throughout regions as a traditional drum player, drummer, percussionist, and as a solo Djembe player.

Djembe, Iban Drum, Percussionist & Drummer

EZRA TEKOLA

Began playing Sape’ since he was 12 years old. Son of a professional Sape’ player. Received instruction from his father.

Ezra has become versatile in playing Sape’ and plays both traditional and modern styles. Ezra performs on many national and international stages. In addition to playing the Sape’, Ezra crafts his own Sape’ as well.

4 Strings Sape’, 6 Strings Sape’

LUKE WRENDER DAVID

Luke has been playing Sape’ since he was 7 years old, taught by the living legend Mathew Ngau Jau who is a National Heritage in Malaysia in Sape.

He loves 4 strings Sape’ and 3 strings Sape’ for the traditional vibes and style influenced by his teacher. His traditional Sape’ playing and style are profound.

Luke started performed since 8 years old in various cultural activities and have performed alongside with high level traditional musicians in Sarawak.

4 Strings and 3 Strings Sape’ Guitar

Following in his parent’s footsteps, Lian became involved in cultural music and dance at a very young age.

Developed a profound level of skill in traditional dance (Ngajat) and actively in playing traditional musical instruments. Played the Perutong, a Bidayuh bamboo zither, Bedok, a Bidayuh traditional drum, and also Jatung Utang, an Orang Ulu wood xylophone.

Refers to himself as a modern warrior with a mission to save cultural traditions from dying in this modern world. He believes that by saving and loving our own traditions and respecting other traditions, we can promote peace in the world.

He has performed with Lan E’ Tuyang band, has made multiple world tours in Europe to promote Sarawak and the culture of Borneo through the performance of Kenyah traditional warrior dance & music.

JACKSON LIAN NGAU

Serutong, Bidayuh drum & Bidayuh bass drum - Ngajat Orang Ulu, Warrior Dance, Welcoming Dance, Ngajat Ngeleput

(Ngajat Nyumpit-hunter)

CEDRIC RISENG

Cedric has been playing the guitar since he was 12 years old. He has been actively involved in music through his church and has played and active role in the choir over many years. He expanded his musical skills and experiences by playing with numerous indie bands in Sarawak.His creativity and experimental mind gives him the capability to produce innovative sounds and bring the music to a different level.

Guitar

ALFANSO MCKENZIE

A bass guitar enthusiast since young age, Alfonso started playing music with a garage band as a bassist in 1999. Actively participating in local gigs and band battles.

Alfanso’s proficiency with with the bass extended into other string instruments leading him to become involved in cultural shows at the national level during his college years, playing various string instruments such as Sape’, guitar and bass.

Bass Guitar

AwardsWinner of the Waterfront

Music Festival - 2016Best Short Movie Category entitled “Pimonu” - 2015

Best Short Movie Category entitled “Ajen Oku” - 2017

Won the best Special Talent - 2015

InternationalPerformances

•Sarawak Week in Singapore organized by Sarawak Tourism Board•Causeway Artist Exchange & Alexandria Hospital Singapore 2016

•Wonderfruit Festival 2017, Pattaya Thailand•Rainforest World Music Festival 2017•Malaysia Festival 2017 - Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia•Ulsan World Music Festival, South Korea•Jeonju Sori International Festival, South Korea•Geumsan Ginseng International Festival, South Korea

•Pasiwali Festival, Taiwan•Rainforest World Music Festival 2018•Yilan International Art Festival, Taiwan•Sarawak Visit Campaign 2018, London•Festival of Dance and Music of the world in Tahiti: Ia marae te ao 2018

•Rainforest World Music Festival 2019•Edinburgh Festival Fringe •Sarawak More To Discover, Singapore

•More To Come......

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

The AlbumIn 2015, AT ADAU launched their first album entitled “Journey” comprises of nine tracks and released three music videos for the album. The music album features percussive instrumental music sound of Borneo with a soothing melody.

In November 2018, they finally released their second album “Oba” which means Love in the Dayak-Kenyah (Kenyah-Badeng, district of Belaga in East of Sarawak, Borneo) language. In this album, AT ADAU experiments with the fusion of modern and traditional instruments to create innovative and timeless music.

Contact us

Meldrick Bob (Band Leader)+6011-21889097 (Call/SMS/Whatsapp)

Jackson Lian (Band Founder)+6016-8168525 (Call/SMS/Whatsapp)

or email us atbookings@atadau.com

‘Journey’ & ‘Oba’is available on

Visit us athttp://www.atadau.com

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