Sounds of many cultures
Malaysia is home to many races, and each one brings its own music and dance. These traditional art forms are passed down from parents to children and are still performed at weddings, festivals and shows today.
Instruments to know
- Kompang — a flat hand drum played in groups at Malay weddings.
- Gamelan — a whole set of gongs and metal instruments played together.
- Sape — a beautiful stringed instrument of the Orang Ulu in Sarawak.
- Gendang — a two-sided drum used to keep the beat.
Key idea
Each community has its own dance: Zapin (Malay), the lion dance (Chinese), Bharatanatyam (Indian), Sumazau (Kadazandusun of Sabah) and Ngajat (Iban of Sarawak).
When we watch and learn these dances, we understand and respect one another better.
Remember
- The Sape comes from the Orang Ulu in Sarawak.
- Sumazau is a Sabah dance; Ngajat is danced by the Iban.
- Traditional arts keep our culture alive and build unity.