History of Music in Malaysia

Malaysian music is the generic term for music that has been made in different genre in Malaysia. A great change of genres in Malaysia music show the specific ethnic groups of multicultural Malaysia society comprising of Malay, Indian, Iban, Dayak, Chinese, Eurasians, Kadazandusun and other groups.

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In general, the music of Malaysia may be classified as folk, classical, syncretic (or acculturated music), popular and current art music. The folk and classical music appeared during the pre-colonial era and exists in the form of vocal, theatrical music and dance such as Mak Yong, Dikir barat, Nobat, Mak Inang Menora and Ulek mayang. The syncretic music established during the post-Portuguese era in 16^th century and contains elements from both local music and foreign elements of Arabian, Chinese, Indian, Persian and western musical and theatrical sources. Among the genres of this music are Dondang Sayang, Zapin, Ghazal, Joget, Mata-kantiga, Boria, Jikey, Bangsawan and Keroncong.

Both Malaysia famous music and current art music are essentially western-based music mixed with some local elements. In 1950s, the artist P. Ramlee helped in making a Malaysia music that mixed folks songs with the western dance rhythms and western Asian music.