Galloping Rhythms: A Multicultural Percussion Performance Bringing Together Chinese, Malay, and Indian Drums in Singapore

Singapore's multicultural identity is often celebrated through food and festivals, but it can also be experienced through rhythm. Galloping Rhythms · Lion City in Motion 2026 is a multicultural percussion performance that brings together Chinese, Malay and Indian percussion traditions in a single production. Created by Drum Feng in collaboration with NADI Singapura and Singapore Dhol Squad, the work celebrates Singapore's cultural diversity through live percussion and collaborative performance.

Galloping Rhythms · Lion City in Motion 2026 is a multicultural percussion performance that brings together Chinese, Malay and Indian percussion traditions in a single original work. Created by Drum Feng and composed by our Founder and Music Director, Glen Ng, the performance was developed in collaboration with NADI Singapura and Singapore Dhol Squad as a celebration of Singapore's cultural diversity through live percussion.

In 2026, we had the privilege of presenting this work on two significant stages: opening the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) Spring Reception 2026, followed by a performance at the ISPA 2026 Singapore Congress. While the audiences were different, the message remained the same—that different cultural traditions can retain their unique identities while creating something new together.

A Multicultural Percussion Performance Featuring Chinese, Malay and Indian Traditions

At the heart of Galloping Rhythms is the idea of musical dialogue rather than musical contrast.

The performance brings together 3 groups of percussionists from three ensembles:

• Drum Feng, representing Chinese percussion traditions.

• NADI Singapura, performing Malay percussion.

• Singapore Dhol Squad, representing Indian percussion.

  
  

Rather than presenting each tradition in separate segments, the composition allows the different musical languages to interact throughout the performance.

Traditional Chinese drums establish the musical foundation, creating momentum and structure. The rebana and kompang introduce the distinctive textures and rhythmic vocabulary of Malay percussion, while the energetic dhol rhythms bring celebratory drive and excitement. Throughout the work, each ensemble responds to one another, creating a performance that feels like a conversation instead of three separate showcases.

One of the defining musical ideas is the galloping motif performed on the Bian Gu. Inspired by the movement of galloping horses, it symbolises momentum, resilience and Singapore's continual progress as a nation. The motif also reflects the Year of the Fire Horse, giving the work an additional cultural layer while remaining accessible to audiences of all backgrounds.

By the finale, the music builds towards a shared climax where no single tradition dominates. Instead, the performance celebrates how different cultural voices can contribute equally to one collective rhythm.

Opening the SCCC Spring Reception 2026

Galloping Rhythms · Lion City in Motion 2026 was first presented as the opening performance of the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) Spring Reception 2026, jointly organised by the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre and the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations to welcome the Lunar New Year.

Drummers with DPM Gan Kim Yong

The event was graced by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong as Guest-of-Honour.

Opening such an occasion with a multicultural percussion performance carried particular significance. While the event celebrates Chinese culture, the performance reflected how Singapore's cultural landscape is enriched through the contributions of multiple communities. By bringing together Chinese, Malay and Indian percussion traditions on one stage, the performance celebrated both cultural heritage and the shared identity that connects Singaporeans today.

Performing at the ISPA 2026 Singapore Congress

Later in the year, we were honoured to perform Galloping Rhythms once again at the ISPA 2026 Singapore Congress, held at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre.

Presenting the work to an international audience reaffirmed something we had always believed: the performance speaks beyond a single event or celebration.

Although rooted in Singapore's multicultural context, its central idea is universal. Rhythm allows people from different backgrounds to communicate without words. Audiences may not recognise every instrument or musical tradition, yet they can still experience the energy, interaction and unity created on stage.

For us, this performance demonstrates how cultural traditions can remain authentic while engaging meaningfully with one another in contemporary artistic practice.

Why Multicultural Collaboration Matters to Drum Feng

At Drum Feng, multicultural collaboration is not a one-off project. It is an ongoing part of our artistic journey.

Over the years, we have worked alongside artists from different traditions through events such as our Theatre Production - A New Era, Chingay Parade, collaborations with Anandha Traditional Arts & Music Ltd (ATAM), and numerous community and national performances. These experiences have deepened our appreciation for each other's musical languages and shown us that meaningful collaboration comes from listening, learning and creating together.

Galloping Rhythms is a reflection of these relationships. Rather than blending traditions into something unrecognisable, the work allows each percussion culture to retain its own identity while contributing to a shared artistic vision.

This approach reflects the values that shape Singapore's multicultural society: respecting differences, encouraging dialogue and building understanding through collaboration.

Bringing Multicultural Percussion to More Communities

We believe multicultural arts have an important role in bringing people together.

Whether performed at cultural festivals, schools, community celebrations, corporate events or international showcases, Galloping Rhythms demonstrates how music can become a platform for connection across cultures. Audiences experience not only the excitement of powerful live percussion but also the possibilities that emerge when artists from different traditions create alongside one another.

As Drum Feng continues developing original Singaporean percussion works, we hope to create more opportunities for meaningful intercultural collaboration and to share these performances with audiences both locally and overseas.

Because sometimes the strongest conversations begin not with words—but with rhythm.