Dikir Barat

DIKIR BARAT

“call and response singing” Projects energy which revives the audience

Match of Wit between two teams – using impromptu, rhythmic verses to defend themselves and attack their opponents

Legends & myths, loyalty to country, societal issues (karut) advice, sarcasm in humour

Sounds familiar? Think rap or hip hop dance battles! Maybe that was the reason why it was called DIKIR = POETRY RAP BARAT = WESTERN BUT THIS WAS NEVER PROVEN.

BRIEF ORIGINS

origins

influence Kelantan

Siam

developed

evolved

Singapore context (Language and creativity)

What Makes up the Troupe?

The witty and lively one Tukang Karut (Specialist in Nonsense)

Weave verses of rhymes continuously and spontaneously Ridicules and pins down the opponent team

Juara

Sings a long song comprising of a chorus and several verses

(Champion)

Does not do any ridiculing Has melodious and dulcet voice to move the spirit of the team

Awok-Awok

The life of dikir barat

(You All)

Choral singing synchronised body and hand movements which sway rhythmatically to the beat of the song, thus making it an awesome spectacle to watch

The Muzik.

Rebana Ibu dan Anak

Canang

Tetawak or Gong

Marakas

And The Clap.

The Performance 1) Opening – Tepuk System 2) Main song – slow 3) Karut – lively 4) Closing – Wau Bulan (traditional)