AKaR
UmBi
-
brief bios
Ceremonial Singer of
the Temuan: Mak Minah Anggong
Mak Minah learnt many of her songs
from her late husband, a former batin (headman) of the Temuan tribe in
Ulu Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia. Her first major public performance was
at the Petaling Jaya Civic Centre in November 1993, when she contributed
a song, Burung Meniyun, to Chandrabhanu’s acclaimed choreographic work,
Birthplace Reclaimed. Within a year Mak Minah was singing Hutan Manao to
an enthusiastic audience of 40,000 in Shah Alam Stadium (a performance
carried live on national TV) at Malam Karyawan, the Bosnia Benefit Concert.
Back in her village at Pertak, Ulu Selangor, Mak Minah lives the simple
routine of a tribeswoman: gathering firewood, fishing, collecting bamboo,
cooking, and looking after her many grandchildren.
Rafique Rashid: Composer,
Musician and Musical Arranger 
Rafique is a well-established
professional musician and entertainer. He has written original music and
songs for dance and theatre (Beauty Maker, Gulls, Lazy Hazy Crazy, Atomic
Jaya), and his songs have been recorded by many other artists. Rafique
has collaborated musically with Antares since 1984 - and with Mak Minah
since 1992. With AKAR UMBI he usually plays guitar, electric bass and keyboards,
and is largely responsible for the song arrangements, although other group
members also contribute ideas. Apart from music, Rafique is a passionate
cyclist and writes an occasional cycling column as “Captain Trek.”
Archivist, Author and Musician:
Antares 
Antares is better
known to most Malaysians as Kit Leee - musician, columnist and author of
three books (Adoi!, Moth Balls, and Two Catfish in the
Same Hole). He now lives in Kampung Orang Asli Pertak, Ulu Selangor,
with his Temuan wife and son. Over the years, Antares has urged the elders
of the village to recount their ancient legends and creation myths. This
has helped reawaken the tribe’s pride in their culture and spiritual traditions.
His documentation of their oral traditions includes the compilation of
a Temuan glossary, to be published as a book, TANAH TUJUH, when
funding is available. A key member of AKAR UMBI, Antares usually plays
bamboo flutes and percussion.
ENQUIRIES:
AKAR UMBI
Magick River
44000 Kuala Kubu Baru
MALAYSIA
CLICK
HERE TO ORDER AKAR UMBI ~ Songs of the Dragon!
ARCHIVE
| INDEX|
ANTARES
| TEMUAN
GALLERY | HOME|GUESTBOOK