TripAdvisor’s “2024 Traveller’s Choice Award” winners, Drum Up JB returned with a bigger ambition to the Permaisuri Zarith Sofiah Opera House: to moot 24 Festive Drums into Malaysian nomination for the 2026 UNESCO Intangible Heritage List.
Under their “Drums: A New Beat Beckons” show, over 1000 spectators across different ethnicities and ages enjoyed the fundraising shows from 12tht to 14th September 2025. The troupe is in a serious bid to establish themselves as a permanent cultural attraction at the hallowed venue in Johor Bahru.
Held for the third year in the Opera House in 2023 and 2024, Drum Up JB has grown beyond just a percussion troupe and has also taken on the mantle of cultural activists’ intent on preserving and sharing the “24 Festive Drums” art form all across the globe, which to date has seen the formation of over 600 drum troupes across Asia, Europe, North America, and Africa.
“Many Malaysians may not be aware that 24 Festive Drums was founded right here in Johor Bahru in 1988 by Tan Chai Puan and the late Tan Hooi Song,” said Lee Sheah Liang, one of the panel advisors for Drum Up JB.
“We were formally recognised in 2009 on the Malaysia National Heritage List’s ‘Intangible Object’ category, and we are also very excited to support the Malaysian government’s nomination of 24 Festive Drums on the 2026 UNESCO Intangible Heritage List.”
Working together again with Director Yeo Lyle, who steered the artistic direction of the 2024 shows, said, “Drums: A New Beat Beckons” aims to honour the cultural roots of 24 Festive Drums while incorporating contemporary elements that make this a uniquely Malaysian performance.”
“In our past performances, we have had thousands of audience members spanning all ages and embraced by Malaysians of all ethnicities, which is truly heartwarming,” reiterated Liang.
“We hope this year’s performances will help us raise enough funds so we can become a permanent fixture at the Opera House, just like watching ‘The Lion King’ on Broadway or ‘Les Misérables’ in the West End. When you visit Johor in 2026, you have to come watch Drum Up JB.”
In March 2026, 24 Festive Drums will be Malaysia’s official nomination for the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List.
Tan Chai Puan, co-founder of 24 Festive Drums, said, “When we first started in 1988, I couldn’t have imagined being able to watch this wonderful performance today (first day of performance)—a full 70-minute show of pure 24 Festive Drumming. Kudos to everyone involved for continuing to evolve this form. I am so proud.”
Norazlina binti Othman, Penolong Pengarah Kebudayaan JKKN Johor, said, “Everyone in Johor should come out and watch Drum Up JB’s November shows; their performance is something you can’t find anywhere else and something Johoreans should be proud of.”
Raven Kumar, Chairman of the State Unity, Heritage, and Culture Committee, on his official Facebook page said, “This performance is not just entertainment; it is also a symbol of cultural richness and the spirit of unity that is the core of the Johor people. Programmes like this should be expanded because they unite people of various races through meaningful heritage art.”
“Even more proudly, this performance is also being developed as a major cultural attraction ahead of Visit Johor Year 2026, in line with the aspiration to make Johor a world-class heritage and tourism destination.”
Also, present were the Director of the Johor Heritage Foundation, Fairuzahri Jalaluddin, representatives from JKKN, as well as cultural activists who are always committed to raising the status of the state’s arts.
“Congratulations to the JB Drums team for their consistent efforts in introducing 24 Festive Drums to the world. I will continue to support initiatives that elevate heritage and instil unity in this beloved state,” said Fairuzahri.
“Drums: A New Beat Beckons” is a Malaysia Madani Initiative and is supported by MyCreative Ventures, Digital Districts, 24 Festive Drums Association Malaysia, and Cloudjoi.
