Borneo Jazz Festival 2022, Miri, Sarawak

Borneo Jazz Festival 2022

Monica Tindall

They say an artist’s life comes in extremes, with ups and downs more dramatic than the average person. That has certainly been true for many musicians over the past two years. However, severe conditions are often attributed to some of the most significant pieces of art in history (whether it be visual, literature or music). If history repeats itself, we are bound to benefit from new creations, profound connections and art taken to levels not seen before as a result of the pandemic.

The Borneo Jazz Festival, with Artistic Director Evelyn Hii at the helm, promises to harness recent challenges and reignite Malaysia’s position on the music scene. In its 17th year of production, following its cancellation in 2020 and online event in 2021, it is one of the longest-running jazz festivals in Southeast Asia. 

Hii is well known for her influence in Malaysia. As founder of No Black Tie, the most respected jazz club in the country, and curator of the musical line-up for the Borneo Jazz Festival, her impact is undeniable. She has an eye for talent and pulls the best from people through her ability to hone in on their strengths and make them also believe in themselves. However, it hasn’t all been toe-tapping good times recently. 

Going through the full cycle of polar responses to the pandemic and its repercussions on the music scene, Hii went from rebellion to despair, relocating to Lisbon, Portugal, thus extending her sabbatical to explore opportunities beyond Malaysian shores.

But, perhaps, brewing under these circumstances only stirred up something greater. Maybe exasperation fermented into determination, despair into defiance. And, possibly on the other side of the barrel, something deeper, more complex evolved. Judging by this year’s festival bill, there is much to rouse expectations.

Hii says, “this year’s ‘Jazz In The Jungle’ theme is a definitive move toward branding Borneo Jazz, paving the way for the festival to garner wider attention in the region and beyond, not only for its unique and intriguing location in Borneo but also for its cutting edge mix of jazz, hip hop and tribal vibes. Part of the attraction and magic of jazz is that each edition/performance is always different, spontaneous and in the moment.”

Borneo Jazz Festival 2022

Running from the 24th until the 26th of June, 2022, the Borneo Jazz Festival promises to excite travellers and music lovers worldwide. The line-up of musicians, exotic location and opportunities for adventure pre or post the event is enticing, to say the least.

Musicians – Jazz in the Jungle

Curated by No Black Tie Presents, Malaysia’s leading jazz promoter, the musical content features “jazz musicians, rappers and DJs from USA, Hungary, Singapore, France, Malaysia, Germany, Italy and more.” Sarawak Arts Council’s Pop Jazz Orchestra (SONS) will also be participating for the first time in collaboration with the Sarawak Tourism Board. We’re told to expect a “mix of jazz and hip-hop, tribal vibes, world beats and electro-jazz grooves.”

From the opening on June 24 to the closing on June 26, ticket holders can look forward to act after act of legendary performances. Kicking off the festival Friday, Afro Asia feat. Steve Thornton combines jazz with Afro-Caribbean rhythms. On the same night, the Matti Klein Soul Trio pledges to strike a groove with electric piano sounds, bass clarinet, tenor saxophone and tight drum beats. Malaysia will also shine with Bunga, fondly known as the hijab-wearing rapper. This young Malay artist bravely breaks boundaries while maintaining her Islamic identity. Her video on 16Baris, an online hip-hop star search show, received millions of views. She is, without question, someone to keep your eye on this year.

June 25 will see Alemay Fernandez & Richard Jackson gracing Borneo Jazz’s main stage of the Borneo Jazz Festival. Warm bluesy tones mixed with smooth baritone backed by an impressive band come together to present a unique and refreshing set. Headlining band from Italy, Nikkollective featuring Nikko Ielasi & Mark Hartsuch, marries jazz, gospel, and soul into an energy-packed session. Additionally, from Bali, Indonesia, comes the Rio Sidik Quintet. A third-generation musician giving performances since the age of 14, Rio is one of the leading trumpeters in Indonesia.

The finale on June 26 brings us around the globe with Asiabeat feat. Lewis Pragasam & Helga Violin, Japanese new generation pop-jazz band, Gecko & Tokage Parade, as well as Masia One/ Q Sound. Masia has worked with internationally acclaimed artists in the east and the west, and Q Sound is a multi-instrumentalist, producer and recording artist. Together, they make one hell of a show. Asiabeat is renowned for merging Asian and contemporary music styles in numerous collaborations with different musicians from across the world. With Helga’s custom-made electric violin, she fuses modern electronic with Asian ethnic to create a lively and passionate show.

Running over the three days, DJ Estephe feat. Chris Stalk & Jules Vulzor introduce DJs and musicians in live improv sessions, fostering the “energy of “Ol’ school Latin jazz Afro-funk bands mixed with house music.”

The Borneo Jazz Festival is attracting a wealth of artists wishing to participate. Check the festival’s website for the latest updates and additions to the program.

Bonus Events

Besides the headlining musical events, several workshops and activities will enrich the experience. Look forward to an eco-drum project where percussion instructions will be designed by upcycling items that might otherwise end up in a landfill. Additionally, the theme of waste reduction continues with an art installation made from unwanted plastic. 

Musical culture and heritage will also be promoted with special performances using the sape, a traditional lute of communities living in longhouses in the northern region of Sarawak. These plucked string instruments are quite special, being carved from a single trunk, with some reaching over a metre in length.

Location & Travel

The 2022 Borneo Jazz Festival will be held in Coco Cabana Miri, Sarawak. On the northern tip of Sarawak bordering Brunei, Miri offers some of the most spectacular sunsets in Malaysia. It’s the entrance point to several national parks such as Niah Caves, Gunung Mulu and Lambir Hills and places yet to be discovered by popular tourism. Gunung Mulu is a must on any nature lover’s list. It’s home to some of the largest cave chambers on earth, The Pinnacles (striking jagged limestone peaks), and thousands of bats that exit the cave at dusk in a myriad of mind-bending formations. Miri is also the taking-off point to access the remote and beautiful Bario Highlands and Kelabit villages 1000m above sea level.

Tickets

Post-pandemic regulations mean seats are limited for the Borneo Jazz Festival. In fact, only 1000 tickets a night are allocated, 3000 in total for the three-night festival. However, there will be a chance to live stream performances online for those not quick enough to snap up a seat. With both physical and online platforms, this is the first hybrid concert of its kind in Malaysia. A one-day pass is priced at RM 128 per ticket, a two-day pass is RM 228 and get a three-day pass for RM 338. Students and senior citizens are entitled to reduced prices – RM 88, RM 128 and RM 188, respectively. Virtual passes can also be purchased at RM 25 per one-hour block. Purchase tickets online at jazzborneo.com

Gates open at 6.30 pm with the first shows going from 7.30 pm-11.30 pm on the Main Stage. Late-night sets will follow from 11.30 pm-1.30 am on the Outdoor Seahorse Stage.

Borneo Jazz Festival 2022

Hii’s final words sum up her hopes for the event. She looks forward to “welcoming music-lovers and all the musicians, most of whom are friends of NBT in Miri, after two years of absence! The rejuvenation and rekindling of the jazz connection, the anticipation of the first note being played, the ringing vibration from a percussion instrument… the magic of sound and light production, a coming together of all the elements that make for an unforgettable Jazz Festival experience in Borneo!”

Borneo Jazz Festival
Jazz in the Jungle
June 24 – 26, 2022
Coco Cabana Miri
Tickets and more information: jazzborneo.com