TanGAN PERKUSI MAKASSAR

Profile

TanGan is the acronym for “Tabuhan Gendang Anak Negri”, founded in 2002 by Arifin Manggau. Some of their works, like “Rembuk”, were shown on  the Indonesian Government Television (TVRI) Makassar; “Nusantatraku” was performed at the Temu Budaya Nusantara festival. In 2006 they staged a single concert “Konser Eksklusif” at the Arts Centre Societeit de Harmonie Makassar

Performance: KELONGna DENTONG
Synopsis

The “Dentong” or “Balo” are an isolated tribe in the Barru region, South Sulawesi. TanGAN Perkusi Makassar adapted the original Balo music to suit their artistic purposes. The piece is based on a poem, a love song, that is converted into music and dance. It is about vitality, the spirit of life, togetherness as well as gratefulness to the transcendental Maha Agung (Almighty God).
Young men begin their longing chant but the targeted group of young women mocks them. Thereafter the men express their disappointment, fortified by drums, and go on looking for someone else. The song ends with the poet’s apology for being a fool.