All set for the ‘Coachella of Asia’
From the heart of Borneo to the global stage, Meruked is set to shine at Thailand’s Wonderfruit Festival on December 13. As the only Malaysian band invited, they bring Sarawak’s culture and history to life through their unique blend of the sape and modern instrumentation.
On a journey to create their own legacy
Meruked’s story began in September 2016, born from the shared vision of six Sarawakians who wanted to create something timeless — something that would endure, much like the meaning behind their name.
The band’s name, “Meruked”, is derived from the Orang Ulu (Lun Bawang) language, translating to “everlasting”.
It perfectly encapsulates the ethos of their music: to craft melodies that resonate deeply and linger long after the final note has been played.
From the start, Meruked set out to weave the rich traditional sounds of Borneo, particularly the sape, into a contemporary musical tapestry.
By blending ancient tones with modern instruments, their goal was to create ambient textures and soaring choruses that bridge the past and present.
Their unique soundscape quickly captured attention. Over the years, they’ve shared stages with some of Malaysia’s biggest acts, such as Yuna and Sheila Majid, and have performed at renowned festivals like the Rainforest World Music Festival in Kuching and the George Town Festival in Penang.
These performances solidified their reputation as a band that masterfully intertwines tradition and modernity into something both evocative and unforgettable.
In Sarawak, their name has become synonymous with music that is as much about heritage as it is about melody.
Each of the six members — Syed Ashraf Edruce (vocals, guitar, and floor tom), Gideon Langub Pasen (sape), Abdul Farouq Mouthofa (lead guitar), Athif Azfar (bass), and the dynamic percussion duo of Syafiq Harzmi and Titus Ron — brings a unique element to the band’s sound.
“When we perform, we want people to hear not just the notes but the stories of where we come from,” said frontman Syed Ashraf Edruce, better known as Ash.
That mission will take centre stage this Friday, December 13, when Meruked performs at the prestigious Wonderfruit Festival in Thailand, an event often described as the “Coachella of Asia.”
This performance is particularly significant because Meruked is the only Malaysian band invited to perform at this internationally acclaimed festival — a testament to their talent and the cultural richness they represent.
The road to Wonderfruit
Preparation for a festival as monumental as Wonderfruit is no small feat.
The band’s 45-minute set will feature 10 songs, blending fan-favourite classics with perhaps a few surprises to keep the crowd guessing.
For Meruked, the significance of performing at Wonderfruit goes beyond their individual dreams as musicians.
It’s about representing Malaysia, and more specifically, Sarawak, on a global stage.
“This is the biggest festival we’ve ever played. And as the only Malaysian performers, that’s an honour we don’t take lightly.
“It’s about showing the world what Malaysia and Sarawak have to offer,” he said.
Wonderfruit is known for its diverse lineup, featuring artistes from all over the world.
This year, Ash said he is particularly excited about Hun Hurr Tu, a Mongolian band that has redefined soundscapes with their throat singing and dissonant instrumentation.
“They’ve pushed boundaries, and that’s what we hope to do as well,” he stated.
However, balancing music with life has been a challenge for the six members.
“We don’t see each other as much as we’d like to. Our personal lives keep us busy, but when we come together, it’s magic. Practising feels like reuniting with family,” Ash pointed out.
Rehearsals were often punctuated by laughter and camaraderie, yet when the instruments were plugged in, Meruked transformed.
“It’s all systems go; we become a powerhouse, a well-oiled machine. It’s moments like these that remind us why we started this journey in the first place,” added the frontman.
The band acknowledged that introducing Sarawakian music to a Thai audience might be a challenge as well.
“We think the response will be mixed at first. It’ll take time for people to get to know us, but we’re confident that our music will spark curiosity.
“Hopefully, they’ll dig deeper into Sarawakian culture and maybe even visit our beautiful home,” Ash said.
A legacy in the making
Nine years is a long time for any band to stay together, especially with the same lineup. For Meruked, it’s a testament to their bond — not just as musicians but as lifelong friends.
“We’ve faced different paths in life, but we’ve always come back to this.
“This band is more than music; it’s a love story between six best friends who share the same dream,” Ash reflected.
Their journey hasn’t been without challenges. From balancing personal responsibilities to navigating the ever-changing music industry, the band has grown stronger with each hurdle.
Amidst their preparations, the band is also working on their debut album — a project that promises to be a sonic exploration of their journey so far.
As the days count down to their Wonderfruit debut, Meruked remains grounded in their mission: to share Sarawak with the world.
For them, this isn’t just about personal achievement. It’s about building bridges between cultures, fostering understanding, and showcasing the richness of Sarawak’s heritage.
“It’s tourism, it’s traditional cultural exchange, it’s everything.
“But at the end of the day, it’s also about having fun. Wonderfruit is a trip with six best friends who just happen to play music together. You can’t write a better love story than that,” Ash shared.
As they prepared for their journey, Meruked carried with them not just the hopes of Sarawak but also their own dreams.
With their unique sound, their unbreakable bond, and their unwavering commitment to their roots, Meruked is poised to leave a mark — not just on Wonderfruit but on the global music scene.
Whether through their music, their stories, or their undeniable energy, one thing is certain: Meruked is a band that’s going places.
And for those lucky enough to see them perform, it’s not just a concert; it’s an experience.
