Tari Zapin Lagu Pulut Hitam

Audio 7.10: Audio Example 10 in Chapter 7 of book: Margaret Kartomi, ‘Musical Journeys in Sumatra’, Champaign-Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 2012. “Zapin Melayu” is a popular Arabic-influenced dance genre brought to Malaya, Indonesia and neighbouring areas by Muslim missionaries during the 15th century. “Tari Zapin Lagu Pulut Hitam” (“Lagu Pulut Hitam” literally translates as’ Black Sticky Rice Song’) is an example of “zapin Melayu” and is typically accompanied by a “gambus” ensemble (“orkes gambus”), the basis of which is a “gambus” (a pear-shaped, fretless lute, plucked with a bone plectrum) and a set of 4 or more small, double-headed drums called “marwas” (plural “marawis”). The leader of the ensemble is the “gambus” player who in turn supports the male singer, in this case Bp Usman Isa. Although this particular performance took place in Riau, it has been included in the South Sumatra selection of excerpts because it is stylistically similar to “zapin Melayu” performances in Palembang. “Tari Zapin Lagu Pulut Hitam” was performed by the IPITRI (Ikatan Pelatih Tari Riau) dance group and recorded in January 1981. Duration: 2 min. 46 sec. Copyright 1981. Margaret J. Kartomi.