Song based forms refer to Folk Music that do not fall under the category of Theater or Dance music. It can be classified into 3 broad sections, namely, music that are unique to the different religions and races in Malaysia, instrumental music which is music that do not include singing and cultural music.
Racial and Religious Music
Zikir
Zikir is practiced by the Islams as a form of worship. The Islam religion encourages the practice of Zikir as a way of obtaining peace and happiness. It is usually monotonic and can be sung by one person or a choral. It can be accompanied with the rebana (wooden hand drum) and gongs or without any instruments.
Nasyid
Naysid is a form of Muslim religious song sung with the accompaniment of frame drums played in interlocking rhythms. It is now a popular music form where National level competitions are held frequently in Malaysia.
Bhajan
Bhajan is usually practiced by the Hindus, and sung in Hindu temples all over Malaysia. It has a 8 or 16 beat rhythm and its normally lyrical, expressing love for the Divine. It is usually accompanied by a harmonium (hand pumped organ), various drums like the Dholak, Nal and Tabla, different kinds of lutes, and sometimes by Manjira which is a small cymbal.
Chinese Drums Ensembles
The picture above shows Malaysian students performing using the Chinese Drums for an opening ceremony. These ensembles are popular in Chinese medium National Type schools. It involves 20-40 drummers using 24 drums, which represented the seasons in the Chinese calender. It was introduced first in Malaysia when 9 Chinese drums were used in the opening ceremony of the National Dance Competition in Johor Barhu, Malaysia in 1988 and now there are inter-schools competitions and festivals held for it.
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Instrumental Music
Kompang
Kompang is the most popular Malay traditional instrument, for it is widely used for all sorts of social occasions in Malaysia, from National Day parades and official functions (to signal the arrival of VIPs), to wedding ceremonies and football matches. It is a kind of hand drums that resembles a tambourine. Above shows a video of the Kompang being used in a wedding ceremony.
Rebana Ubi
Rebana Ubi are widely use by the Malay people in East Coast Malaysia such Kelantan or Terengganu. It is widely used in Malay wedding ceremonies. It is a large cone shaped drum. Rebana Ubi ensembles usually compete with one another during post rice festivals.
Kertok Kelapa
Kertok Kelapa is a type of xylophone played in traditional Malay functions and found in Kelantan, Malaysia. Long ago people plat the Kertok Kelapa while waiting for their unhusked rice to be harvested. Single slabs of wood are placed over coconut shell resonators and struck by wood mallets. Specific interlocking rhythms are played.
Caklempong
Caklempong is included in the group Idiophone that is in the category of musical instruments made of metal, wood, bamboo and coconut shells. According to history, Caklempong was brought to Malaysia by the Minangkabau citizens from West Sumatra and settled down in Negeri Sembilan around the 14th century. Bonang Caklempong are usually used in weddings and they are shown in the picture above.
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Cultural Music
Dikir Barat
Dikir Barat is a style of call and response and its usually performed by a group of 10 to 15 members. The Malaysian government actively promotes it as an important part of Malaysian national culture. The leader of the group, known as tukang karut, is expected in his performance to utilize current social and political issues which will be relevant to the audience. The rest will echo after him. There are many Dikir Barat competitions held in Malaysia and usually are entertaining to watch. Above shows a Dikir Barat performance in a school in Malaysia.
Tumbuk Kalang
Tumbuk Kalang originated from Negri Sembilan. In this form of music, pestle and mortar are used by rice farmers and played during the rice harvest season. This music originated from the work of pounding rice and played during the harvest season but now it is used as a form of entertainment, to welcome guests, a formal gathering and also at a cultural show. It makes use of other instruments as well, like a flute and also vocalists. It's songs are usually 4-line verses and a traditional performance can lasts up till the whole night. This is often played during the full moon and is accompanied by youths singing and it is popular in Tampin, Inas, Seri Menanti, Gunung
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