For over 25 years, singer and lyricist Monica Akihary (who was recently awarded the prestigious Dutch Boy Edgar Prijs) guitarist-composer Niels Brouwer have formed the heart and soul of Boi Akih. With changing musicians, this special duo brings a cross-border repertoire full of surprises. Their music contains influences from Indonesian music, European jazz and improvisation as well as classical Indian elements and African traditions. Music in which Akihary's sultry, crisp vocals contrast beautifully with Brewer's warm abstract guitar playing. At the festival, Boi Akih will present From And To Infinity, a composition by Niels Brouwer. He originally wrote it for the 70-piece bamboo flute orchestra Molucca Bamboowind Orchestra from Ambon City. For the new album, Brouwer wrote arrangements for organs, recorders, kora, percussion, gendèr, guitar and voice. The live performances feature Nora Mulder on a portative organ with 200 pipes and 19 extra bass pipes in a separate element. Gamelan player and percussionist I Made Subandi from Bali is Boi Akih’s special guest in Rotterdam.
