THE INDIE music community gathered in full force on December 28 and 29, 2024, at Studio AB in Petaling Jaya to mark a momentous occasion, the collective known as Tapau held its 10th-anniversary celebration (Tapau 10 Tahun).
This two-day event served as both a reflection of the past and a testament to the thriving indie scene in Malaysia, despite being often overshadowed by the mainstream.
Day one saw notable performances by Terrer, Liyana Fizi Quartet, Aktadiri, Gard Wuzgut, Okirama, and Iqbal M., while the second day brought forth dynamic sets by Fuad, The Filters, Porcelain, Jemson, Seru, and Masdo.
The first day of the event also kicked off with “TAPAUkon Mini,” a conference where community leaders, artists, and industry movers gathered to discuss the indie ecosystem’s challenges and future.
This was followed by the “Tapau FC Battle” on day two, a high-energy gaming competition that saw Nafis ‘Abang Botak’ defeat Luqman Podolski in the final match. With 12 indie artists and influencers involved, this segment was made possible through a collaboration with GamesMY.
The 10th-anniversary event was an immersive experience, featuring four key elements. Upon arrival, visitors were greeted by a collaborative artwork created by Kide Baharudin, specially for this occasion. The “Pasar Tapau” marketplace was another highlight, offering a selection of indie art, crafts, and delicious local delicacies, as well as products from independent creators and vendors.
The heart of the anniversary celebration, however, was the “Tapau Rojak All Stars” stage. Featuring performances by six alumni bands alongside six emerging artists, the stage was a true representation of the vibrant diversity within Malaysia’s indie music scene.
Tapau, initially launched as a platform to give indie artists a stage to be heard, has evolved over the years into an influential force in the Malaysian music landscape.
Ahmad Faris, Creative Director of TapauAsia Sdn. Bhd., shared the organisation’s origins, noting that Tapau was originally created as a platform to help more Malaysians discover the talents within the indie community.
The celebration was a fitting tribute to the progress Tapau has made since its inception in 2014. That year, the first TapauFest made history by raising over RM85,000 through crowdfunding, earning the title of the “Largest Crowdfunding Project” and the “First Crowdfunded Festival” in Southeast Asia.
A decade later, Tapau has solidified its place in the industry, contributing significantly to the growth of the indie ecosystem through various initiatives.
These include TapauTV, an online media platform showcasing indie artists, TapauAwards, a night dedicated to recognising indie creators, and TapauFest, which now takes place in Lenggong, Perak, spotlighting indie talent from across Southeast Asia.
Supported by Yayasan Hasanah through the Arts for All Seasons (ArtsFAS) program and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC), Tapau’s impact continues to resonate.
Malaysia’s indie music community has always been vibrant, yet often underappreciated space, but over the years, it has grown into a hub for creativity, individuality and storytelling.
This growth wouldn’t have been possible without platforms like Tapau, which has dedicated itself to nurturing and celebrating the indie scene in the nation.
Unlike mainstream music, indie artists often challenge the norms, experimenting with genres, sounds and themes that resonate deeply with their target audience.
Tapay 10 Tahun was an inspiring event as it is more than just a music festival, it’s a movement, a beacon for the indie music community, the celebration was evidence of how far the scene has come. – January 14, 2025
Qistina Shahrom is a social media journalist at Scoop