Tohpati And Friends Combine Modern And Traditional Elements In The Nuance Of Ramadan

Tohpati and Friends. (doc. Rich Indonesia Gallery)

JAKARTA - The Indonesia Kaya Gallery performed a performance from Tohpati and Friends at the Kaya Indonesia Gallery Auditorium, Thamrin, Central Jakarta, Saturday, March 8. The event was held to enliven this year's holy Ramadan.

In his appearance, Tohpati and Friends combine traditional and modern elements in a very distinctive religious nuance with Ramadan. Smooth guitar playing is combined with Indonesian traditional bass and musical instruments, such as distillation and sound.

For 60 minutes, they displayed the potential of instrumental works, including Swarnadwipa, Sekar Jagad, Al I'tiraf, Shalawat Asyghil, Swarnadwipa, Lir Ilir, Penjor, Shalawat Badar, and Kahyangan.

"I'm very happy to be able to accompany art connoisseurs, especially in this special moment of Ramadan," said Tohpati as the performer and music director, in his statement, Sunday.

"We hope this performance can convey the beauty of music that is not just entertainment, but also provides a deep inner experience for the audience through the combination of modern and traditional elements which are the main strengths in every composition we bring," he continued.

In addition, Renitasari Adrian as Program Director of the Indonesia Kaya Gallery said, the presence of Tohpati illustrates how the strength of traditional Indonesian music when juxtaposed with modern music.

"This moment is special because in this holy month, Tohpati presents the Guitar Ramadan, a series of religious music works for the combination of modern and traditional elements that can be enjoyed by the general public," said Renitasari.

"Through the appearance of Tohpati and Friends, we hope that the younger generation can continue to appreciate Indonesian cultural works and be inspired to apply them in various aspects of life," he added.

For information, Tohpati is known as one of Indonesia's best guitarists, who from the start had shown his ability to combine modern music with traditional cultural elements.

He is also active as a producer and music director who has been trusted in handling single concerts of various top singers, such as Sheila Majid, Ruth Sahanaya, Rossa, to God Bless.

Thanks to his works, Tohpati has won a number of prestigious awards, including AMI Awards for Best Jazz Album category, Best Music Arranger, and Best Instrumental Production Work.