Award-winning percussion troupe stages “Drums: A New Beat Beckons” from September 12–14, aiming to secure a permanent home while championing 24 Festive Drums for UNESCO recognition.
Drum Up JB, fresh from its 2024 TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Award, will return to the Permaisuri Zarith Sofiah Opera House in Johor Bahru this September with a new production, “Drums: A New Beat Beckons.” The fundraising series, running September 12–14, seeks to establish the troupe as a permanent cultural fixture at the venue.
The troupe’s previous seasons in 2023 and 2024 drew strong crowds, cementing Drum Up JB’s reputation as more than just a performance outfit. Today, the group is also a cultural advocate for the 24 Festive Drums artform, which originated in Johor Bahru in 1988. Co-founded by the late Tan Hooi Song and Tan Chai Puan, the tradition combines Chinese drum rhythms with symbolic representations of the 24 solar terms in the traditional lunar calendar.
“We were formally recognised in 2009 on Malaysia’s National Heritage List under the ‘Intangible Object’ category, and now we are thrilled to support the government’s nomination of 24 Festive Drums for UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage List in 2026,” said panel advisor Lee Sheah Liang. “Our hope is that Malaysians will take pride in this artform that was born right here in Johor Bahru.”
This year’s programme, once again helmed by director Yeo Lyle, blends cultural roots with modern elements to create a uniquely Malaysian experience. Liang noted that past audiences have spanned generations and backgrounds, reflecting the country’s multicultural spirit. “We hope these performances will help us raise enough funds to become a permanent fixture at the Opera House,” he added. “Much like watching The Lion King on Broadway or Les Misérables in the West End, we want Drum Up JB to be a must-see when you visit Johor.”
“Drums: A New Beat Beckons” is presented as part of the Malaysia Madani initiative and is supported by MyCreative Ventures, Digital Districts, the 24 Festive Drums Association Malaysia, and Cloudjoi. Tickets are available through Cloudjoi (link below).
ABOUT DRUM UP JB
Formed in 2023 through a collaboration between Orang Orang Drum Theatre and JB Drums, Drum Up JB is dedicated to preserving and sharing the 24 Festive Drums artform. Members of both groups first toured together in 2017, performing at eight folk festivals across France. One of their signature collaborative works, “The Memories,” which tells the story of ancestral migration and cultural identity, will be reprised during this year’s performances.
“Drums: A New Beat Beckons” runs from 12 – 14th September, 2025 at the Permaisuri Zarith Sofiah Opera House. Tickets are available via Cloudjoi here, starting from just RM88.00!
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