Zaharul Lailiddin Saidon

Songs and Music of the Indigenous Semai of Malaysia Zaharul Lailiddin Saidon

This book consists of songs and instrumental music from the Semai, an indigenous group collectively known as the Orang Asli of Malaysia. The songs in this book include 5 jenulak, which are performed during both healing ceremonies and festive celebrations. There are also 2 folk songs sung to the accompaniment of a kereb (plucked and strummed bamboo lute). Instrumental music for recreational purpose includes 2 pieces on the pensol (bamboo nose flue). The songs and music are transcribed to approximate pitches and rhythm through the western notation system. The song text is written according to the onomatopoeia style. The original music and songs were performed by Bah Kang a/l (son of) Bah Mat, a halaq (shaman) from the Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Terang, Kampar, Perak and his son, Alang a/l Bah Kang from Kampung Orang Asli Batu 15, in Tapah, Perak in Malaysia. The audio recording is expected to be published on cdbaby.com, under the album titled 'Indigenous Semai Mystical Rainforest Music of Malaysia'.