“Lei trum, lei trum lei trum oh la, la
Boeroeng kaka tuo.......”
The audience from the capacity packed Bishop’s College, Auditorium reluctantly moved out at snail’s pace from the auditorium with the Boeroeng kaka tuo melody spinning around in their heads. The occasion was the staging of Rasa Sayang 2018 by the Mabole Malay Association in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia. Proceeds were in aid of social service projects and very rightly too.
It’s been a long time since when the Malay Association held an interesting show like this. In the early years it was a regular feature, that was well patronised and we are glad that the Association has decided to revive the concert.
Backed by the group Flame, a leading band today and led by the versatile Naushad Rasool, pulled out all stops to make the occasion a memorable one. Malay moods it was from the first note struck to the final coda. The Malaysian favourites were there such as Boeroeng kaka tuo, Nina Bobo, Asmara, O Papa Dio, Sankha P, Tanah Aire and more including eight year old Shehara, Perera’s version of Tanah Aire not forgetting Flame’s exotic Malaysian repertoire with Naushad Rasool singing one of Stanley Omar’s originals Sanke Sorai. Bouquets to singers Chandani, Romaine Willis, Sheru, Afra Saldin, Primal Liyanage for leaving a good after taste of this evening of Malay moods. But the evening contained more surprises.
The colourful authentic and distinctive Malay dances choreographed by Piyan from Indonesia and Viranti from Sri Lanka. Given the early history of Sri Lanka, the Rasa Sayang 2018 was well deserved presentation and we look forward to the next.
Pix – Shan Rambukwella