Rebana Ubi
In the days of the
ancient Malay kingdoms, the resounding rhythmic beats of the giant rebana ubi
drums conveyed various messages from warnings of danger to wedding
announcements. Later, they were used as musical instruments in an assortment of
social performances.
Kompang
Arguably the most
popular Malay traditional instrument, the kompang is widely used in a variety
of social occasions such as the National Day parades, official functions and
weddings. Similar to the tambourine but without the jingling metal discs, this
hand drum is most commonly played in large ensembles, where various rhythmic
composite patterns are produced by overlapping multiple layers of different
rhythms.
Gambus
Brought to Malaysia by
Persian and Middle Eastern traders, the gambus or Arabian oud is played in a variety
of styles in Malay folk music, primarily as the lead instrument in Ghazal
music. Carefully crafted with combinations of different woods, this instrument
produces a gentle tone that is similar to that of the harpsichord.
Sape
The sape is the
traditional lute of the Orang Ulu community or upriver people of Sarawak. A
woodcarving masterpiece with colourful motifs, the sape is made by hollowing a
length of wood. Once played solely during healing ceremonies within longhouses,
it gradually became a social instrument of entertainment. Typically, its
thematic music is used to accompany dances such as the Ngajat and Datun Julud.
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