Rapa’i adalah alat musik perkusi tradisional Aceh yang dimainkan dengan cara dipukul dengan telapak tangan. Rapa’i sering digunakan pada upacara-upacara adat di Aceh seperti upacara perkawinan, sunah rasul, pasar malam, pengiring tarian, hari peringatan, dan ulang tahun. Karenanya, rapa’i merupakan bagian yang tak terpisahkan dari kehidupan masyarakat Aceh. Rapa’i berperan mengatur tempo, ritme, tingkatan, gemerincing serta membuat suasana menjadi lebih hidup dan meriah.
Rapa’i dimainkan dalam sebuah ensambel yang terdiri dari 8-12 orang dan disandingkan dengan instrumen lain, seperti serune kalee dan buloh merindu. Permainan rapa’i dapat terdengar hingga jarak yang sangat jauh, efek dari gema yang dipantulkannya. Tanpa mikrofon, suaranya dapat terdengar hingga jarak 5-10 km.
Dengan mengundang beberapa negara sahabat yang memiliki peralatan musik tradisional, International Rapa’i Festival akan menjadi acara yang menarik dalam mempromosikan Aceh melalui musik tradisi. Aceh International Rapa'i Festival has its own unique and specific charm as all used musical instruments are traditionally inherited from the past. Rapa'i was popularized by a Muslim poet from Baghdad named Sheikh Rifai to preach Islamic teachings around the 11th century in Aceh.
Rapa'i is a traditional percussion instrument of Aceh which is played by beating it with hands. Rapa'i is often used in traditional ceremonies in Aceh such as marriage ceremony, sunnah rasul, night markets, dance accompaniment, anniversaries, and birthdays. Therefore, rapa'i is an integral part in the life of the people of Aceh. Rapa'i’s role is to regulate the tempo, rhythm, register, and jangling of music which makes the atmosphere become more lively and festive.
Rapa'i is played bya group of 8-12 people and is juxtaposed with other instruments, such as serale kalee and buloh merindu. The sound of rapa'i can be heard over a great distance as the result of its reflected echoes. Without a microphone, its sound can be heard up to 5-10 km away.
By inviting some neighbouring countries that have traditional musical instruments, the International Rapa'i Festival will be an exciting event in promoting Aceh through traditional music. Dinas Kebudayaan & Pariwisata Aceh disbudpar@acehprov.go.id