Female 'Gendang' Musicians Overcome Gender Barrier

By ALI IMRAN MOHD NOORDIN KUALA KANGSAR (Perak), Aug 4 (Bernama) -- Participants of the recent Asean Media Bloggers Tourism Hunt 2017 did not expect the joyous reception that awaited them when they arrived at their homestay destination at Kampung Labu Kubong, about 10 kilometres from here. They were served herbal drinks infused with medicinal roots and a variety of local delicacies like lemang and kuih limas, as well as treated to a silat or Malay martial art performance accompanied by live traditional music. A total of 47 participants from various media organisations and social media influencers from Asean member states participated in the treasure hunt, organised by Tourism Malaysia, from July 10 to 15. Whilst watching the silat show, this writer could not help noticing the four-member ensemble that provided the musical accompaniment. The three musicians who played the gendang (Malay drum) and gong were girls and this came across as odd to the writer because, as far as he knew, such ensembles were usually dominated by men. The "odd one out" was the serunai player, a senior citizen, who created melodious music with the traditional Malay instrument. NOT SEXIST AT ALL The musicians who accompanied the silat performance in Kampung Labu Kubong belong to the Gendang Silat Al-Marbawi group, which was formed in 2013 and is the only such "orchestra" in that village. Its founder and head Mohd Amir Abd Rahim, 74, is the serunai player who had captivated the writer, while his three grand-nieces, who are still schooling, make up the rest of the group. Mohd Amir clarified that gender was usually not a factor when recruiting musicians for a silat musical group. "As long as a person shows a keen interest, I'm willing to accept them," he said, adding that age was not a barrier too. School-going children, however, would have to get the permission of their parents first before joining the group. According to Mohd Amir, it was important for traditional musical outfits to be composed of old and young members as the older ones can impart their skills to others while the younger ones can help to popularise the art of playing traditional instruments such as the serunai. The serunai is a reed wind cone-shaped instrument made out of wood. Usually consisting of seven holes on the upper part and one hole at the bottom, the design of the serunai reed is similar to that of the English horn and clarinet. The serunai is usually hand-carved and highly ornamented with intricate detailing and painting. IN SEARCH OF SERUNAI PLAYERS Mohd Amir's group is often invited to perform at social events, feasts and circumcision ceremonies, besides silat performances. As Kampung Labu Kubong is known for its homestay programme, the group is also asked to perform for local and foreign guests. This well respected musician is currently scouting for youngsters who have an interest in playing the serunai. "I'm getting older but it's not easy to find people who can replace me in future," he said, with a faraway look in his eyes. Even if there are young people who show an interest in learning to play the serunai, it is another thing altogether whether or not they are able to master the correct blowing techniques. "Learning to play the serunai has its own challenges. We have school children who can play the recorder but none of them can play a continuous tone without pausing," Mohd Amir said, adding that there were only three people in Kuala Kangsar who can play the serunai well. It is important for musicians to master the art of playing the serunai without pausing as their melody has to keep pace with the drum beats. "The music may sound awkward if the serunai melody stops before the end of the performance," he pointed out. SECRET OF PLAYING THE FLUTE Mohd Amir is willing to share his knowledge with anyone who is keen to learn to play the serunai. The secret to mastering the wind instrument is breath control, he said. In fact, the fundamental basis of playing such an instrument well is breath control. Serunai players usually utilise a technique called "circular breathing" or "cycle breathing". This technique entails drawing in air through the nose as it is simultaneously blown through the instrument. Mohd Amir stressed that regular practice was the key to perfecting the breathing technique. "You can practice by blowing into a glass of water through a straw until bubbles appear. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold your breath in your ribcage and then slowly exhale through your mouth using your inner cheeks to control the outflow of air. The longer you can hold your breath in your ribcage, the better," he explained. He said the breathing technique should be practised 30 to 60 minutes daily in the morning after waking up. "Regular practice will enable you to master the serunai blowing technique faster," he added. On whether there were taboos for serunai players to observe, Mohd Amir said there were no prohibitions in terms of food or lifestyle habits. "All that is needed is regular practice and a genuine desire to learn the art (of playing the serunai)." MORE THAN FIFTY STYLES Mohd Amir's involvement with silat musical ensembles started in 1986 when he learnt to play the gendang from some musicians in Kampung Talang, situated not far from Kampung Labu Kubong. From time to time he also visited other states to learn from their traditional musicians. "When it comes to the gendang, states like Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu have their own style of beating the drum. Even the traditional musicians from Thailand have their own style and they usually perform during silat or Muay Thai (Thai boxing) events," he said. He said he used to know more than 50 different styles of beating the gendang but he has forgotten some of them as he rarely played the traditional drum these days. Meanwhile, the Gendang Silat Al-Marbawi group gendang player Shazihaziqah Mohd Desa, 15, said she developed an interest in the art after watching her grandfather, Mohd Amir, in action. She is also attempting to learn to play the serunai but finds it difficult. Sisters Robiatul Athirah Mohd Rodzi, 15, and Robiatul Sopia Mohd Rodzi, 12, were encouraged by their mother to play the traditional instruments. Robiatul Athirah said her friends in school knew she could play the gendang well and they were keen to learn too. "So far they've not got the opportunity to learn. I'm willing to teach them (to play the gendang)," she added. The group's youngest member Robiatul Sopia, who plays the gong, is not only proud to be part of the ensemble but also to be able to share her knowledge of traditional silat music with locals and foreigners alike. -- BERNAMA