To end off the Malay music series, Coach Hydir invited well-respected and renowned Malay musician, Tun Zubir Abdullah.

Zubir is a local artist, full-time composer, producer and arts ambassador who has been practising and promoting traditional Malay music for over 30 years. Coach Hydir invited him on the podcast to shed valuable insight on the genre as well as Malay culture.

The Malay music scene differs slightly between Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore due to the differences in culture. The traditional music that we hear today differs due to the syncretism of different races such as the Indians, Chinese, Europeans and Arabs who came to South East Asia back in the 15th Century, giving a unique sound to Malay Music. Today, contemporary Malay music has been heavily westernised.

Mr Zubir discusses how the Malay tradition and culture impacted the ‘Jiwa’ which refers to the soul of Malay music in the context of Singapore. He introduces 5 principles and practices that are unique to the Malays: 

1. Language 

2. Ethics and Practices

3. Music

4. Dance

5. Martial Arts

Tarian, Silat, Zapin

Tepak Sirih, Tudung Saji, Keris

Language (Bahasa)

Malay language as well as lyrics are the art that tells an indirect analogical story, oftentimes written in the structural form of Malay poetic verses (pantun). As the song and lyrics progress, the message which can convey historical events, patriotism, love story and wisdom would unfold from one line to another, giving the audience a more descriptive understanding and also insight into a particular topic or event. Traditionally, the poems are categorized into Pantun, Syair and Gurindam, each bearing its own purpose and presentation.

Ethics & Practices (Adat dan Adab)

Giving salam (greetings and handshake to the chest) and bending forward while crossing over or walking past the elderly has been a common practice amongst Malay families and cultures to show respect because of their faith. This practice is also commonly found in Malay musical performances when performers such as dancers and musicians enter the stage.

Music (Muzik)

Music is a mix of melodies, instrumentations and lyrical content. Malay music, is no different. Malay music has a wide spectrum of genres, styles and presentation such as the keroncong, ghazal, zapin, bangsawan, dondang sayang and dikir barat to name a few.

The selection of instruments inspired by the Portuguese people. Ranging from the accordion, violin, and harmonium whereas the Tabla and Gambus from Indians and Arabs are selected with stylistic consideration for different occasions.

Dance (Tarian)

Tarian uses daily tools such as the Handkerchiefs, Tepak Sirih, Tudung Saji and Keris which are held by dancers during their performances as a symbol of Malay culture which can be seen up till today. The Ghazal music and instrumentation which originated from Arab music is most prominently associated with the Zapin dance.

Martial Arts (Silat)
Silat is unique to Malays as it is a symbol of patriotism, self-defence and performance where music is the medium between the art and the audience, accompanied by instruments such as gamelan, gendang ibu dan anak and the gong.

He also went on to explain how finding the balance between technical and soulful singing, comes by interpreting the feel and impression of a melody.

“How much you really understand will be reflected in your interpretation or style of singing.”