GENGGONG 8
Gamelan
Bali
Genggong 8 will be performing at this year’s Gala Opening Ceremony on Wednesday May 3rd, starting 5:30pm at the Yoga Barn.
The name Genggong 8 represents a fresh hope for the music and arts from Batuan, Bali to be passed down through future generations, much like the “8” symbol, which is boundless and sustainable.
Formed by Pak Nyoman Suwida in 2014, the Genggong 8 Drumming Troupe is based in Banjar Pekandelan, Batuan, Sukawati, Gianyar, Bali, and its primary mission is to preserve and regenerate local culture, particularly the Batuan-style Genggong traditional music instrument, which is endangered and infrequently played. We believed that Genggong’s art from Batuan would be maintained and that this instrument would be widely known among art enthusiasts in Indonesia and around the world.
They always incorporate several generations, including local children and teenagers, in their activities as an art medium. Apart from private teachings in the Troupe, they have also done public presentations, such as volunteering in the Temple, performing in wedding ceremonies, and participating in the Tepi Sawah Festival, an Online Art Performance by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Ubud Jazz Festival, Ubud Readers & Writers Festival, Ubud Expo, Rumah Budaya TVRI, and Revitalisasi Budaya Universitas Udayana in 2021, and so on. The goals of these public events are to serve as a medium for mental and moral education, as well as a direct example to the public.
Last but not least, we, the Genggong 8 Drumming Troupe, ask the public and the government to spread the word about this art program so that the modern generation is aware and is proud of their own identity in order for them to continue to exist in today’s world.
Without further ado, we would like to express our gratitude for the public’s interest in Balinese art and culture.
Thank you!