blending Javanese, Sumatran, Bulgarian & Turkish musics with explosive percussion and masked dance “These artists are among the best in their fields in Australia, and indeed the world”   (Llew Kiek, world music producer)

GengGong uses traditional musics from many cultures (Javanese, Madurese, Bulgarian, Turkish, Arabic, Sumatran) in contemporary arrangements and original compositions. Indonesian drums, gongs and reeds are combined with guitar, Balkan and Middle-Eastern bagpipes, didjeridu, saxophone and wooden flutes to produce a unique and totally compelling performance. Masked dancers add to the excitement. This is a programme of many moods and nuances.  

GengGong's CD "Not Just Music" was recorded and released in Indonesia in late 2000 and is now available in Australia. It was named in Seth Jordan's Best Australian Releases of the Year (Rhythms Magazine, Jan 2002)… 

"An exhilarating…album by an Indonesian-Australian group, immediately appealing in the freshness of its sounds and cumulative power of its grooves, but at the same time rich enough in detail to withstand close listenings" (John Napier, Diaspora)

GengGong's fifteen concert tour of Indonesia in 2000 (including two performances on national television) opened the eyes of Indonesian audiences to the seemingly limitless creative scope of Indonesian cross-cultural music. In Australia, the band has captivated audiences at Bellingen Global Carnival, Northern Rivers Performing Arts Festival, Carnivale, Cabramatta Lunar New Year Celebrations, Sydney Festival Fringe and the Globe to Globe Festival in Melbourne.

“GengGong rock hard” 
(Revolver, 17 May 1999)

"The best Indonesian contemporary music I have had the pleasure of listening to. ...GengGong is an absolute triumph!"     (Inspirasi magazine)

“Wow, GengGong really went off!!” 
(Seth Jordan, artistic director, Bellingen Global Carnival, 1 – 3 October 1999) .

  “The whole blend of traditional music they performed skilfully on their instruments created a rhythm of harmonic and peaceful sounds, as if we were being drawn into a spiritual experience together with them. … At every performance they were extremely communicative and invited the audience to become part of their music ... whether through clapping along, singing or dancing” 
(NewsMusik, 25 September – 16 October 2000)  

"A powerful performing unit" 
 (Richard Jasiutowitz, Diaspora magazine)

“Their commitment to excellence in performance, professional deportment and creative synthesis of traditional and modern elements … [makes] this band …the fore-runner of exciting new developments to come in the fusion of east and west in Australia.” 
Dr David Goldsworthy, Music Dept. Senior Lecturer in ethnomusicology, University of New England, Armidale)

“(GengGong) have already made a significant contribution to contemporary Australian cross-cultural music, especially by promoting a sense of cultural exchange and understanding between Australia and Asia.” 
(Lex Marinos, former Head of Carnivale)

For information and bookings please contact

Wot Cross-cultural Synergy

(ph/fax) 02 9560 4385 / 0410 716 553

email <wot@primus.com.au>