Acheh Rapai

(A Drumming tradition of Acheh)

Artists:

Adnan Prang (Master Artist)

Teuku Lakmana (Apprentice)

Basri Usman (Apprentice)

Description of the Art Form

The Acheh Rapai drum is a unique traditional instrument that is used during traditional ceremonies and special events. Infused with traditional and cultural beliefs, the music and song that comes from Acheh , Indonesia is interconnected with the culture and history of the region. There are two different drums sizes that are hand crafted from a certain types of trees. The top of the larger drum is made from cow skin and the top of the smaller drum is made from lamb skin. To make the base of the larger drum a tree trunk is carved into a hollow tube. The smaller drum base is made from the inner ring of wood taken from the tree used to craft the larger drum.

Traditionally, the drums are always played in groups with a minimum of 8 people and a maximum of 12 people. Usually customary song accompanies the playing of the drums. There are also contemporary traditions surrounding the Rapaii as well. Groups of players compete against one another in a competition style performance where one team will sing and drum and the opposite team promptly responds.

Adnan Prang (Master Artist)

Place of birth: Lhokseumawe, Acheh
Place of residence: Harrisburg , PA

Artist Statement

Adnan Prang was born in Lhokseumawe, Acheh which is in the Northern part of the island. He first heard Rapai in the community center in Indonesia . At the community center, he learned to play the drums from a distinguished member of the community named Sarong, who taught the kids in the area.

After much practice, Adnan developed his talent and was asked to be in a group. He played for special events such as weddings, birthdays, etc. It was a high honor to be part of that particular group and they were well respected in the area. He played with this group for six years and eventually received a certificate from the mayor of Lhokseumawe for his achievements earned while learning this art form. Because of his love for his community and culture, Prang wants to pass along the tradition of playing the Rapai drums to others that do not know this tradition. He believes that “By teaching other adults in the Acheh community first, he will begin the process making sure this tradition stays alive. For himself, he wants to continue practicing and continue to grow in this tradition.”

Prang is now part of the Acheh community in Harrisburg , PA. He notes that “We really value activities that bring people together. Most of us are also refugees in this community. Because of this, our traditions and our culture are very important to us. We want to make sure that the youth in our community learn them and understand what it means to be Acheh.”

Teuku H. Lakmana (Apprentice)

Place of birth: Jakarta, Indonesia
Place of residence: Harrisburg, PA

Artist Statement

“I came here when I was 13. Even if I saw it as a kid, I didn’t really have any interest at that time. But as I grew up here and then when went back to Indonesia when I was 18 for my sister’s wedding this began to change. After this I was more interested in Acheh culture. I saw rapai at my sister’s wedding. It was very interesting how 12 guys could hit the drums at the same time in the same rhythm and say the poetry at the same time. Since then, I knew that I need to learn this tradition that was a part of my heritage. I have a certificate in sounds and engineering and I have a real passion in music. I am very good with rhythm sequencing and have produced music by laying the different tracks together and producing those sounds.”

Basri Usman (Apprentice)

Place of birth: Sigli, Acheh
Place of residence: Harrisburg , PA

Artist Statement

“I was born in Sigli, Acheh. When I was a kid, I always remembered seeing rapai at events and at weddings. It was very much a part of the culture when I was younger. I moved to Jakarta when I was 11 and have not seen Rapai since. I came here to Harrisburg in July of 2001 and became an active member of the Acheh community here.” Usman is interested in passing down his culture to the youth because it is an important part of who he is today.