1. 《LIFE+》Magazine
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  3. Summer 2024 Issue
  4. Cross-gen passion for Xinjiang dab
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    18 July 2024

    “Pu-da-da, pu-da-da...” A punchy and upbeat rhythm reverberates through the phone. Pa Erhati Yasen, a Xinjiang dab percussionist, beats out the enchanting tempo as he demonstrates the musical passion that has fascinated him for decades. Despite Pa Erhati’s homeland being over 3,000 miles away, his efforts transcend physical boundaries and charm us here in Hong Kong.

    Pa Erhati Yasen

    The love for the dab is definitely in Pa Erhati’s blood. Now a National Class One Percussionist and bandleader of Xinjiang Art Theatre Chinese Orchestra, he developed a genuine enthusiasm for drum music during childhood, thanks to his father who is also a dab musician. “I was enthralled by his rehearsals and performances,” he recalls. “But he didn’t proactively teach me, explaining that mastering the dab is not as easy as it might seem. That’s why he didn’t force me into it too early.” 

     

    It was when Pa Erhati revealed his natural talent during music classes in primary school that his father began to teach him the fundamentals of drumming, while also enrolling him in dance classes at Xinjiang Art Academy. Wait, dance? Yes, for the two performing art genres complement each other perfectly. The dual training from a young age has honed Pa Erhati’s artistry, contributing to a unique style that sets him apart from his predecessors and peers.

     

    The history of the Xinjiang dab dates back as far as 1,400 years. A traditional instrument of the Uyghurs, this hand drum is hugely popular among other ethnic groups too, including the Uzbeks and Tajiks.

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    “When its head and rim are tapped with bare hands, the dab produces a rich tonal variation of crisp ‘pu’ and resounding “da” sounds. Its frenetic and expressive tone makes it ideal for celebratory occasions such as festivals and harvest time. “

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    Having toured extensively within and outside China, Pa Erhati enjoys promoting the culture of his hometown through music. This year, on 8 December, he and a Xinjiang dancer will make a special journey to West Kowloon Cultural District to participate in the One Beat, One World: Connecting through the Drum Carnival and 5G Live Concert, which is being organised by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra and presented by Chinachem Group. Local audiences will have a rare opportunity to enjoy a dazzling performance of Xinjiang dab music and dance. 

     

    Back at home, Pa Erhati is committed to preserving his heritage too. Following in his father’s footsteps, he is teaching his five-year-old son, who has shown a keen interest in the dab, how to play the iconic musical instrument of their ethnicity.

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