Photographer’s Note
These are Malays boys- primary school boys. They wer having a performance in the scholl in my village. It is a special ocassion where their parents would come and watch the performance.
you can see that they are happy lots, enjoying themselves after their end of year examination.
They will perform a stage choral singing known as "Dikir Barat". The leader is the oneat the back with the glass. He is the lead singer.
From Wiki:-
What is "Dikir Barat"?
Dikir barat is a musical form, native to the Malay Peninsula, that involves singing in groups—often in a competitive setting—and almost always without instrumental accompaniment. While it is uncertain whether dikir barat originated in Thailand or Malaysia, the Malaysian government today actively promotes it as an important part of the Malaysian national culture.
Dikir barat is typically performed by groups of ten to fifteen members, though there is no actual set size, even in competitive environments. A group usually sits cross-legged on a platform, sometimes surrounded by the audience. Where the dikir barat is performed competitively, the two competing groups will both be on the stage at the same time.
In a typical dikir barat performance, the group will perform two segments. The first is led by the tok juara, who is often the person in charge of the musical training of the group. This first segment usually contains the more complex musical arrangements, and will likely feature the awok-awok singing in unison with the tok juara, as well as responsorial segments of singing, similar to what the tukang karut does with the awok-awok, later in the performance. Though musically more complex than what will follow, the first segment is seen as the "low-key" segment of the performance.
The creative leader of a dikir barat group is the tukang karut. The tukang karut is usually a former tok juara who was promoted for his talent in creating spontaneous lyrics, for it his ability to do this that establishes the reputation of the dikir barat group. Leading the awok-awok (chorus) during the second and concluding segment of the performance, the tukang karut sings pantuns—most of which are likely original and improvised on the occasion of the performance, but some which may be known to the audience. (Pantuns are an oral poetry form indigenous to the Malay region, and are not exclusive to the dikir barat.) That the dikir barat uses pantuns does not mean that it is a performance of poetry. The tukang karut is expected to compose lyrics that touch upon life, like any poet, but he can also address social issues, legal matters, animal lifestyles, government regulations, and human foibles. The tone can be satirical, sarcastic, or simply humorous, but above all it is expected that it be clever. The tukang karut makes up and sings lyrics on the topic of the performance (which may be pre-established or simply the choice of the tukang karut), and the awok-awok sings the same lyrics back to him. During the performance, members of the awok-awok clap and perform rhythmic body movements, which bring energy to the performance.
Historically, dikir barat performances have been all-male. However, in recent years, especially with groups based in urban areas, female performers are beginning to appear.
While most musical instruments are excluded from dikir barat, some groups to employ percussion instruments, including the rebana, maracas, or a shallow gong.
ChrisJ, BennyV, daddo, phwall, trekks, berek, rikko77, banaei_nikon, JanD, jusninasirun, RedDevil, shevchenko, BWJ, pablominto, Waylim, leo61, RON1960 has marked this note useful
Critiques | Translate
ChrisJ
(69973) 2009-03-09 0:55
Hi Foozi
A superb & colourful group portrait of the Malay boys. I like their peaked yellow hats. Tfs!
BennyV
(4614) 2009-03-09 1:09
Hello Foozi,
This lively group of boys is a very interesting continuation of your home village shots. The lead singer seems to be different from the others not only in the role he plays. Good work.
Benny
daddo
(11277) 2009-03-09 3:09
Selamat datang Foozi. A bright gathering of young songbirds. Lovely colours, excellent sharpness. Love to look at all those expressions.My favourite is the serious little fellow on the left.Regards. Klaudio.
phwall
(5532) 2009-03-09 3:41
Hi Foozi,
What a happy shot, makes me feel good. The look on the lead singers face is priceless.
A cute bunch of young rascals.
Cheers
Peter
trekks
(14262) 2009-03-09 6:58
hi Foozi
Very good colorful portrait of these boys with smiles for you! It is a fun moment to see these happy faces. Good work.
Greetings from Phnom Penh
tfs, bill
worldcitizen
(2237) 2009-03-09 10:13
Hello Foozi,
I like this colorful portrait. The boys' faces are precious, and the costumes are really beautiful. I have added this photo to my theme of Traditional Asian Dress. :-)
berek
(28838) 2009-03-09 10:50
Hi Foozi,
lovely traditional costumes . I love smiley face and your framing. thanks for your note.
greetings.
Burak
rikko77
(5896) 2009-03-10 1:23
Hi Foozi!
I like this composition here and its colors.
The note you wrote is interesting...
well done!
have a nice day
Rikk
banaei_nikon
(775) 2009-03-10 2:40
Salam Foozi
Very nice shot
Beautiful model
point of view is well done.
Good job.
Well done..
**MAB**
JanD
(14606) 2009-03-10 3:51
Howdy Foozi!
Nice people. Very nice scene. Good shot. Funny effect.
Regards!
jusninasirun
(10150) 2009-03-10 19:59
Salam Foozi,
Top drawer image captured here MF. Excellent sharp details in perfectly executed bokeh. Lovely daces in very good framing.
Regards,
Jusni
RedDevil
(1071) 2009-03-11 4:20
Hi Foozi,
This image is sharp and its colours seem very natural, excellent framing and composition, great light management! Congratulations!
Salvatore (Italy)
shevchenko
(9858) 2009-03-11 19:38
Hi Foozi,
They are really cute, I found two of them wearing costumes in different color, thanks for introduce the presentation of "Dikir Barat", distinct image, good shoot.
Ally
BWJ
(1771) 2009-03-17 8:10
Hello Foozi,
This shot of the school boys is fabulous. It is full of energy and enthusiasm. The boys seem delighted to be in front of the camera. Details and colors in their dance costumes are clear and very beautiful. Your note is outstanding.
Kind regards,
Betty
pablominto
(40390) 2009-03-20 23:57
Hello Foozi,
Seems like a happy bunch!
And a bit proud to show the great costumes showing their important parts in the performance...
Good details and expression captured in this fine group portrait!
Greetings,
Pablo -
Waylim
(10741) 2009-04-02 12:45
Foozi,
very nice group shot of the boy in beautiful outfits, showing the traditional maylaysian colors and culture, I rather like to the see the shot more spontaneous and candid. But regardless, good quality, nice colors and well presented. thanks
Way
leo61
(43205) 2009-04-05 3:25
Hi!
A nice multiportrait.I like how they pose for you.I like their dress and hats and the colorful background.
Regards,Leo
RON1960 (56) 2009-04-09 8:12 [Comment]
Photo Information
-
Copyright: Foozi Saad (foozi)
(4689) - Genre: People
- Medium: Color
- Date Taken: 2008-11-09
- Categories: Festivals
- Camera: Nikon D80, Nikkor AF18-135mm
- Exposure: f/6.3, 1/60 seconds
- More Photo Info: view
- Photo Version: Original Version
- Theme(s): Traditional Asian Dress [view contributor(s)]
- Date Submitted: 2009-03-09 0:36








