Music
Marilah Pulang
Elmina
5.00 pm - 5.30 pm
Main Stage
“Marilah Pulang” is a live performance based on Straw Lim’s concept album, “Pulang” — a love letter to her homeland, embracing her identity as a third-generation Malaysian.
This multidisciplinary performance expands on the album’s themes through Chinese contemporary cultural movements and evolving costume design. Performed in a mix of five languages — Hinghwa, Bajau, Mandarin, Malay, and English — the music weaves together traditional and modern influences through a fusion of instruments such as the seruling, rebana, sape, guzheng, cello, guitar, bass, drums, and electronic programming.
“Marilah Pulang” brings together a diverse range of Malaysian talent, with collaborations with artists including Melina William, Ruviyamin Ruslan, MK Ridzuan, Sasa, and Faz Aznam.
About the Artiste / Group
Straw Lim 林水草 is an alternative folk singer-songwriter known for her evocative, multilingual storytelling and socially conscious themes. Her debut album, Excursion (2019), is a collection of songs inspired by her travels across more than 50 countries. These journeys have deeply influenced her music and worldview, ultimately leading her back to Malaysia, where she is now based in Sabah.
Straw recently held a two-day showcase for her latest album, Pulang (2025), which explores themes of identity, belonging, and culture through a rich fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds. One of the songs, “Home” from Pulang received the Best Overall Production and Creative Excellence Award at Short+Sweet Song Malaysia 2024 at klpac. Straw has toured across Malaysia and Taiwan twice, and has been featured in festivals such as RIUH, Borneo Rhythms of Rimba Festival, City Roars Festival, Klang River Festival, and more.
Achievements
Best Overall Production: Short+Sweet Song Malaysia 2024
Creative Excellence Award: Short+Sweet Song Malaysia 2024
Language
Team
Singer-songwriter (Guitar, Percussion): Straw Lim
Musician (Sape, Bass, Synth, Backing Vocals): Melina William
Musician (Rebana, Drums, Percussion): Ruviyamin Ruslan
Musician (Seruling): MK Ridzuan
Musician (Guitar, Keys, Glockenspiel): Faz Aznam
Musician (Gu Zheng, Keys, Guitar, Backing Vocals): Melissa Wong (Sasa)
