| Description |
The word Rebana (or hand-held drum) originated from two Arabic words that are ‘Rab’ means ‘beating’ and ‘Na’ means ‘we’. Hence, rebana means ‘our beating’. The beating of the Perak Rebana is headed by a ‘beater’ followed by the ‘alternators’ and the ‘continuers’. Normally a group consists of 15 to 20 members. This music is often performed at ceremonies like wedding, circumcision, and ear piercing, as well as at welcoming guest-of-honour and procession. There are a number of types of beating and the most popular one is Sariful Annam and Kinchat. The melody is picked from the religious song of Berzanji and often sung in the Malay language according to the suitability of a ceremony or event. The uniqueness of this music can be seen during wedding ceremonies whereby two or more rebana groups from the host and the newly-wed sides ‘fight’ to beat the rebana until one side stops then only the ‘fighting’ ends. |
