MUSIC EVOLUTION NIGHT ELEVATES HERITAGE AND DEVELOPMENT OF MALAYSIAN MUSIC

IPOH, 25 APRIL 2026 – Ipoh City Council (MBI), together with the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) Perak, organised the Music Evolution Night: Citra Malaysia (Colours of Malaysia) programme, a special performance highlighting the journey and development of Malaysian music across different eras. 

The programme was also held to support efforts to promote Visit Malaysia Year 2026, besides strengthening Ipoh’s position as a city rich in historical, cultural and tourism values.

The event at Dewan Bandaran was graced by Ipoh Mayor Zamakhshari Hanipah and wife Kartini Ibrahim. 

Also present were MBI Chief Whip Dato’ Mazlan Abd. Rahman, City Councillors, JKKN Perak Director Hisham Mat Husien, PORT General Manager Nur Hanim Mohamed Khairuddin, as well as MBI Department Heads. 

The Music Evolution Night showcased a unique and mesmerising artistic experience via performances of the evolution of local music, starting from the 1960s, 70s, 80s, 90s to today’s music trends. 

The performances combined traditional and modern elements in a presentation full of colour, nostalgia and creativity, giving the audience the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of local art and culture that transcends time. 

Among the highlights performed included a solid combination of Kombo Muzik Kumpulan Gema Warisan Budaya MBI and Kombo Muzik JKKN Perak, in addition to dance performances by Kumpulan Gema Warisan Budaya MBI and JKKN Perak dance group. 

The variety of music genres featured not only rekindled memories of the development of Malaysian music but also highlighted the diversity of Malaysia’s cultural identity that continues to evolve over time. 

The organisation of this programme reflects Ipoh City Council’s commitment to empowering local arts, culture and heritage, while supporting efforts to promote Ipoh as a dynamic, historic city with the potential to be the country’s main cultural tourism destination. 

Such programmes are also in line with efforts to strengthen public appreciation of the nation’s artistic treasures, besides fostering the interest of the younger generations to appreciate and continue Malaysia’s cultural legacy. 

Ipoh City Council would like to express its highest appreciation to all parties involved in making this programme a success, especially JKKN Perak, art activists, production personnel and all staff for their strong commitment.

It is hoped that the organisation of Music Evolution Night will continue to be an important platform to invigorate local arts and culture, strengthen strategic cooperation between agencies, and elevate Ipoh’s role as one of the country’s main cultural and tourism event destinations