OSAKA, Aug 10 (Bernama) — Caklempong Acastra, a group of 14 students from Akademi Sains Pendang in Kedah, has captivated visitors of the Expo 2025 Osaka with their rendition of traditional Malaysian music.
The group secured second place at the International Music Talent Competition (IMTC) held in Fukuoka, Japan, on Aug 8.
Group leader Muhammad Aidil Adib Mohd Nor Azizi, 15, said it was their first time openly performing before an international audience.
“Preparation for Fukuoka took about two months. We practised various pieces, including refining older songs to deliver a stronger performance,” he told Malaysian media at Expo 2025 Osaka here.
Teachers Iza Harlydia Azis and Siti Zulaikha Alias supervised the group’s training to ensure the students’ academic performance was not affected.
“We practised from 8 to 10 pm, after Maghrib prayers. During the day, they focused on their studies. We also did not take up their leisure time as it is equally important for them,” said Iza Harlydia.
For the two-day performance in Osaka, which kicked off yesterday, Caklempong Acastra showcased Kedah’s identity through a fusion of folk songs, traditional Malay tunes, and popular Japanese numbers, such as Sakura and Mirai.
The main performance involves a five-song medley comprising Tari Tualang 3, Ayam Didik, Inang Bakawali, Kuda Hitam and Cindai, which had previously earned them championship titles at the Fully Residential Schools Traditional Music Competition, Kids Got Talent Malaysia, and the Bangkok IMTC. The same medley also secured their recent success in Fukuoka.
Iza Harlydia said she was proud of the students, aged between 14 and 15, for successfully bringing traditional music to the international stage.
“This opportunity might not come twice. I am grateful to everyone, especially the parents, for their support,” she added.
Established in June 2023, Caklempong Acastra first made a name for themselves when they won Season 9 of Kids Got Talent Malaysia, earning the title national champion in the traditional musical instrument category.
Following that success, the troupe received an exclusive invitation to audition for Season 21 of America’s Got Talent, to represent Malaysia on one of the world’s biggest entertainment stages later this year.
— BERNAMA
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