Blogs
B for Bangsawan
Singapore Kopitiam blogger Hidayah Amin talks about the traditional Malay Opera or Bangsawan.
During my childhood days, I used to follow my uncle and cousins to an open field near our home in Gedung Kuning to watch the Chinese Opera or Wayang Cina. Although I couldn’t understand the language, I was mesmerised by the elaborate costumes and the dramatic make-up. I also recall watching an almost similar performance of story, songs and dance on TV. Yes, the Malays, too, have our own opera called the bangsawan. Bangsawan and its history The word “bangsawan” comes from two words --...
When visiting a Malay home…
Visiting a Malay household anytime soon? Singapore Kopitiam blogger Hidayah Amin dishes out some of the Dos-and-Don’ts when visiting a Malay home.
Time of Visit Unless you’re asked to visit at a certain time, it’s usually best to avoid the evenings (especially between 7.00pm to 8.00pm) as most Malays -- being Muslims -- perform their evening prayers during that period. Try not to stay until late at night unless of course the host wants you to. Bring ‘buah tangan’ Buah tangan (literally ‘Fruit of the Hand’) means souvenir. It’s always nice to bring a little souvenir as a gift for your Malay host. It can be a something...
The Legend of the Garuda
Hidayah speaks of her beloved helang (eagle) and of an even bigger helang, the Garuda (the Roc).
As a child growing up in Gedung Kuning, I’ve always wondered why my strict great-grandfather ‘allowed’ the two stone eagles into the house (most Malays being Muslims aren’t encouraged to have animal and human figurines in the house). Nevertheless, my fascination for the bird extended beyond the gates of Singapore and I adopted the Native American name of “Soaring Eagle” while in a South Dakota Sioux reservation. The Garuda (or giant eagle) has a significant place in many Asian...
Mari Bertandak!
Hidayah invites you to bertandak or dance!
I remember how I told Nuradee (the famous Malay music duo) to use the zapin melody for “Gedungku” (My home), the song which I composed. During my book launch recently, Nuradee sang the song with a modernised version of the zapin. Oh how lovely! All the guests were mesmerised by the duo’s lovely voices as well as the catchy zapin rhythm! But isn’t the zapin a dance? A guest whispered. Zapin is indeed a Malay dance style. The Malay dance styles, in the modern context, are known by their...
Pak pak ke debing debing…*
Singapore Kopitiam blogger Hidayah Amin muses about Malay musical instruments. *Sounds of the Rebana kompang at Malay weddings.
*Sounds of the Rebana kompang at Malay weddings. “Serampang Laut” is a Malay traditional song whose Joget tune has its origin in the Portuguese folk dance. Malay music is much influenced by early settlers such as the Indian, Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese, Arab, Indonesian and British. When you look at the Malay orchestra, you will notice that there are some Western instruments such as the violin, flute and accordion. Malay music in Singapore and Malaysia has evolved greatly...
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“Kopitiam” means coffee-shop in a mix of Malay and Chinese. A “Kopitiam” typically offers traditional fare and is a popular gathering place for local news & gossip. Welcome to Singapore Kopitiam. It doesn’t matter where in the world you are, you too can indulge in coffee-shop talk, Singapore-style.
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