Regeneration of Rapa'i artists

The world's ethnic music artist from Aceh, Rafly Kande, began teaching and training his son to beat the Rapa'i, or rather, to inspirit this traditional Acehnese instrument. It's not just about beating a musical instrument, but essentially to feel, to let the soul trace the sources of sound and rhythm that have been behind the presence of this instrument from the beginning.

The nature, history and culture of the Acehnese must be truly understandable and imbued by a creative Rapa'i artist in his practices towards a professional Rapa'i artist. Rapa'i is a musical instrument that provides a dynamic and awakening rhythm. There is absolutely no maudlin in it, no sobs. It's like being reserved for strong and courageous people. And that is the original life philosophy of Acehnese people who are hereditary.

In its low and gentle rhythm, it can always remind us of the steps of the warriors, synergistic and neat. In the high and loud strains, then it is like a rumbling spirit that will force people to move and move forward. The Rapa'i rhythm states strongly that the courage to go beyond obstacles, fortitude, the will to move forward, is all purely beauty, and art.

Thus, the teaching of playing the Rapa'i instrument is essentially a spiritual teaching to create strong and steadfast individuals in multiplying and spreading various values of virtue and goodness.That's why Rafly Kande has a dream that every school in Aceh should be taught to play this traditional musical instrument, as he once told me.

Rafly Kande in a show.