History
Syofyani Dance & Music Ensemble was founded in 1961 which originated from the extra-academic activities of English Major students of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) in Bukittinggi.
At that time, Syofyani Yusaf—the founder of the group—was one of the students who played a role as motivator and trainer in the group's art activities which was eventually called Sanggar Tari & Musik Syofyani (STS) Bukittinggi.
At 1963, Syofyani met Yusaf Rahman at National Arts & Sports event in Bali. Yusaf was a promosing young musician, and then became West Sumatra's renowned Maestro of music. They eventually became a married couple. Both have their own significant role to initiate more creation and enliven STS.
Since then, STS has grown rapidly. Its members are limited to not only FKIP students but also general public.
At the beginning of the journey, each of the activities was more likely to be a service and dedication to the community for West Sumatra Province in terms of commercialization
Syofyani Dance & Music Ensemble has now become an educational institution (theory and practice) of art for general knowledge of dance and music, specifically for Minangkabau arts, with training centers in Padang, Bukittinggi, Jakarta, and Bandung.
Founder
Syofyani Yusaf
Syofyani Yusaf is known for her contribution in the Minangkabau arts as both dancer and choreographer. Sofyani started dancing at six from her grandfather and father, who owned a Randai group and were also a pencak silat teacher in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra. She was trained in Plate Dance movements, which also included Silat movements. At the age of twelve, Sofyani was taught by her grandfather to perform the Plate Dance on broken glass.
Along with his husband Yusaf Rahman, Syofyani's long career in the performing arts has created more than 150 artworks Minangkabau music and dances. They promoted Minangkabau culture nationally and globally, such as in Pakistan, Greece, Italy, Spain, Australia, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Korea, Japan, Brazil, the United States, Southeast Asian countries and others.
Yusaf Rahman
Yusaf Rahman, a renowned Minangkabau Maestro in music, was born in Muaro Labuh, South Solok, West Sumatra, on June 4 1933. Although self-taught by playing various musical instruments himself, due to his artistic blood inherited from his parents, Yusaf became a skilled and established musician.
Yusaf is creative and resourceful in developing musical instruments from simple materials and always carries tools, such as knives and files, to make wind instruments from bamboo and PVC pipe.
In 1968, he succeeded in developing a diatonic scale for Talempong, usually played in a pentatonic tone and generally considered a huge leap in Minangkabau music. His works and craftsmanship are recognized nationwide and globally, leading to numerous awards and lifetime achievements from various parties.
Founder
Awards & Recognition
2023
2018
2017
The Legendary Minangkabau Songwriter & Musician from the PAPPRI Bukittinggi
Anugerah Payung Indonesia, Pelestari Tari Tradisi
The Cultural Satyalancana Award and Recognition from the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Ir. H. Joko Widodo
- A Life Time Achievement Award from the West Sumatra Tourism Journalists Forum
- The Inspirator from Radio Classy FM Padang
- Inspirator Award from Sushi FM
2009
- Award in the Field of Arts and Culture from the Regional Government of Bukittinggi
- Award for 63 years of Syofyani Berkarya from the West Sumatra Culture and Tourism Agency (Disbudpar)
2008
Award for the Service and Dedication to Promoting Minangkabau Arts and Culture at the National and International Level from the Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, Ir. Jero Wacik
2007
Community Leader Award in the Field of Dancing Arts from the Mayor of Padang,
Dr. H. Fauzi Bahar, M.Si
2005
West Sumatra 17 Outstanding Female Leaders, by the Suntiang Nagari Foundation (Indonesian Women Journalist Communication Forum)
2003
- The 30 Years of Honor Medal Satya Karya Satya from President of the Republic of Indonesia, Jenderal Besar TNI (Purn) Soeharto.
- Award and Gold Medal for the Service and Devotion in the Field of Arts, specifically the Minangkabau Arts and Culture from the Governor of the Regional Head TK I West Sumatera
1998
Recognition as Jasawan for their unceasing dedication in developing the arts from the Governor of West Sumatra
1997
