Feature Stories

Ho! Ho! Ho! Guess Who Will Be Performing Live At Our Christmas Charity Bazaar This December?

Zee Avi

Discovered by The Raconteurs’ Patrick Keeler on Youtube, US based, singer-songwriter and ‘anak Sarawak’, Zee Avi has made quite a name for herself in the music industry today. Recently, she has also been awarded the 'International Young Artist Award' in Jakarta. In spite of her busy schedule, from back-to-back shows and gigs - we had an opportunity to have a short interview with the humble and bubbly Zee Avi, before her appearance at the Naim’s Christmas Charity Bazaar this 23 December:

  • Who and what inspired you to sing?

“I loved karaoke when I was younger. I’d sing to Karen Carpenter, Joni Mitchell and Billie Holiday. But singing and playing guitar are two completely different things. By picking up guitar, I started to listen to classic rock, punk, reggae, soul and funk music.”

  • What has been your most enjoyable song to write and why?

“Probably Kantoi. Sometimes I enjoy writing when there are other people around me whom I can entertain. Happy and positive people makes it enjoyable for me to keep performing.”

  • What is your best achievement so far?

“To be doing what I love, above all. And to be able to give back to my family”

  • Is this your first time performing in Bintulu?

“Yes! And I'm very excited!”

  • What song will you be performing on that day?

“Well, you'd have to come and be there to find out!”

Jerry Kamit

Get to know Jerry Kamit, a renowned Sape player and recording artiste who will be performing live for the crowd at Naim Street Mall’s Christmas Charity Bazaar this 23 December.

  • At what age did you start playing the Sape and how long have you been playing this traditional music instrument?

“I started working at Sarawak Cultural Village in 1996 and at the time I was only 22 years old. I have not stopped playing since.”

  • What was the first song that you have composed?

“The first song that I wrote was called “Happiness” which I will also be playing at the upcoming charity event this December in Bintulu Paragon.”

  • What songs will you be performing for us this Christmas?

“I will be performing Happiness, Sape Unity, Kayo-Kayo, Semampai Sayau, Langit Biru. Since it’s Christmas, I will be playing some christmas songs like Feliz Navidad, Jingle Bells, We Wish You A Merry Christmas with the Sape as well.”

  • Are you excited to be performing at Naim’s Christmas Charity Bazaar this December?

“Of course I am! Even though I’ve been to Bintulu many times to perform, I always feel like it’s my first time performing there. The crowd in Bintulu is always very supportive and warm.”

  • What inspired you to be the person you are today?

“I love Sape and I am inspired to do more than just play the instrument for members of the public. My mission is to promote our Sarawakian traditional instruments to people around the world and show them that Sape is not just limited to its traditional origins and that it can be played in the modern context as well. Being a pioneer allows me to do that and I’m glad to see that many people have picked up the interest in learning the Sape, even women.”

Nading Rhapsody

Awarded as the recipient of The Royal Arts Gala Fund in 2016 by My Performing Arts Agency (MYPAA) in collaboration with National Department for Culture and Arts Malaysia, Nading Rhapsody is billed as an Avant-Garde Borneo Ethnic – World Music ensemble and has represented Malaysia at various international arts involvements since 2012. They have been busy performing in Spain and Australia in the past few weeks and we weren't able to get an interview with them but fret not! Meet them in person this 22 December at Naim Street Mall where they will be performing live in Bintulu for the very first time as well! Don't miss out!