A Malay Folk Song Series

The Malay Archipelago consists of the countries of Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and Indonesia. Over the centuries, battles were fought for control over a region that was the source of spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and nutmeg; items coveted by the Portuguese, Dutch and British, amongst others. Immigration from neighboring Asian countries for trade also made these countries home to a melting pot of ethnicities who share an overlapping heritage of beautiful folk songs using the Malay language (“Bahasa Indonesia” for Indonesians). Lyricism, humor, and rhythmic energy are an integral element of the folk song culture. Poems or “pantun” are commonly used with equal parts of wisdom and humor as part of the traditional style.