To appreciate music as a part of nature, is not a gift many possess but one which the Miri International Jazz Festival, also known as Borneo Jazz, proved capable of doing. The culture and diversity of Borneo was shared through the existence of traditional bazaars, local attire, musical parades, and mind-blowing jazz performances. Upon entrance, one’s soul is entranced by the beauty of the scenery, the perfection of the lighting system, and the excellent music.

The Borneo Jazz festival maintained an environment of tranquility and harmony. Its first day started with a breath-taking performance by a group of secondary students, the Chung Hua Miri Marching Band and ended with a phenomenal act by the New Cool Collective, a band from the Netherlands, formed almost two decades ago, consisting of mainly eight members. They have toured both Europe, Africa, Canada, Russia, and Japan.

The rest of lineup included F.V.E Project from Malaysia, Nita Aartsen from Indonesia, and Slixs from Germany. Unlike the rest of the performers, the F.V.E Project is the only newly formed band consisting of five fairly experienced musicians; they played three original songs and covered a few. The F.V.E Project has proven that inspiration can promote growth despite differences in musical backgrounds and experience. Many of the younger audience members could relate to their performance and were greatly motivated by them. Borneo Jazz is the second festival in which they have performed since their formation in mid-2011.

Nita Aartsen, from Indonesia, took the crowd by storm through her extravagant piano skills and voice. In the last few years, she has been sharing her love for classical music and jazz with larger audiences of different age groups through international and local concerts, events, and regular gigs in Jakarta. In a press conference, Nita said, “Music is spiritual with a lot of freedom; it is a generous home.”

It is rare to find beauty in music without lyrics and instruments. Using neither, Slixs, from Germany, formerly known as Stouxingers, pulled off an amazing performance that left the crowd screaming. They mesmerized everybody by their extensive use of voice. The six of them effortlessly accommodated each other’s sounds and noises. Their chosen pieces of music reflected the different shades of life. Slixs was a favorite not just to a particular age group, but to the entire audience; they captured the hearts of the old and young alike.

Nothing can inspire a tired soul like the colors of jazz music. Borneo Jazz 2012 was a beautiful gathering of people from around the globe who share a love, peace, and joy for sensational music.

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About the author

Yasmin Pascual Khalil
Being an Egyptian/Filipino, Yasmin was born in Oman and raised in Saudi Arabia, with a open mindset in appreciation of diversity. She loves exploring languages and interacting with people from all walks of life. Yasmin has covered stories in the following categories: Local + World News, Entertainment News, Offbeat News, and Lifestyle. She can be contacted at yasmin.khalil@toonarimedia.com.

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