Drum Choreographers (NDP 09)

- Syed Ahmad - Dennis Sim - Riduan Zalani -

Riduan Zalani

There are four innate endowments that a man can have: self-awareness, conscience, independent will and creative imagination and these are evident in Riduan Zalani. As one of Singapore’s most prominent young artists, this national serviceman constantly chooses, responds and changes, through his musical practices and involvement, to contribute towards the development of society and the enhancement of the local arts scene.

Riduan has conquered difficult and testing circumstances and built his reputation to become one of the most brilliant young Singapore percussionists who excels in talent and triumphs with effort. This La Salle graduate started dwelling in traditional Malay artforms at seven years-old, and developed a strong drive to pick up various drums from all over the world. Highlights from his career include: performing at WOMAD Sri Lanka Festival of Drums with Wicked Aura Batucada where he drummed alongside drum masters Trilok Gurtu, Billy Cobham and the Drummers of Burundi (2005), collaboration with internationally acclaimed jazz pianists Jeremy Monteiro and Michael Veerapan for Jazz@The Arts House (2008), representing Singapore for Spotlight Singapore Tokyo & Moscow (2006 & 2008), forming and leading live electronic outfit, SONOFA (2008). This inspiring young artist has also been awarded the Goh Chok Tong Youth Promise Award (2006) and named as one of Singapore’s top 25 youths under 25 by local newspaper The Straits Times (2005). He also has had the opportunity to work with some of the finest local music directors like Iskandar Ismail and Dr Sydney Tan, as well as being recording sessionist for some of the biggest events in Singapore, such as the International Olympic Conference and Chingay Parade of Dreams.

His diligence, discipline and skills make him an essential part of numerous performing groups in Singapore: Wicked Aura Batucada, De’Lima Traditional Ensemble, Al Bedouin Middle Eastern Troupe, and Orkestra Melayu Singapura, among others. Skilled in a variety of drums from various cultures, from traditional to contemporary, he embraces challenges with the courage to follow his talent to where it leads: the opportunities to accompany local and regional Malay artists such as Zubir Abdullah, Taufiq Batisah, Hadi Mirza, M Nasir, Itto, Hetty Koes Endang, Ismail Haron, Nash and Fauzie Laily. These involvements have brought him to various festivals and performances around the world, to major countries like Italy, Greece, UK, South Korea, Australia and the United Arab Emirates.

With a track record of successful projects, performances and collaborations on international and local platforms, this humble drummer-percussionist continues to strive towards innovative artistic works and to pursue greater knowledge in drums, seeking advice from more senior members of society in a bid to fuel greater creativity. He is especially keen on the development of a Southeast-Asian ethnic drumming culture in a contemporary setting and bringing international interests to the musical traditions of the Asian heritage.

Riduan believes that regular practice makes permanent and devotes his time discovering yet more about drums. He looks up to his mentors such as drummers Md Noor, Tama Goh and Mas Wahyu, savoring his journey and ever thankful for every moment and opportunity to learn, perform, travel and share.