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

Siam

origins

developed

influenceKelantan

evolved

Singapore context

(Language and creativity)

What Makes up the Troupe?

Tukang Karut

(Specialist in Nonsense)

Juara

(Champion)

Awok-Awok

(You All)

The witty and lively one

Weave verses of rhymes continuously and spontaneously

Ridicules and pins down the opponent team

Sings a long song comprising of a chorus and several verses

Does not do any ridiculing

Has melodious and dulcet voice to move the spirit of the team

The life of dikir barat

Choral singingsynchronised 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 AnakTetawak or Gong

Canang Marakas

And The Clap.

The Performance System1) Opening – Tepuk

2) Main song – slow

3) Karut – lively

4) Closing – Wau Bulan (traditional)