ARTS AND CULTURE INFORMATION GATEWAY
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J7478 Jalan Seri Sempang 1
Taman Seri Sempang
77300 Merlimau
Melaka
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Introduction and history
Nazam is a Malay poetry adapted from Arabic verse composition. It emerged in Malaya around the 12th century as Islam began to reach the shores of the Malay Peninsula (Abdul Latif, 2013). By the 15th century it was introduced in Malacca and by the 20th century, broadly won the hearts of her locals.
Nazam is an Arabic word carries the notion of ‘poetic composition’. According to At-tullab Arabic-Malay Dictionary (1994), nazam means ‘to plan, compose, organize and arrange’. Thus it can be said that nazam means poetry and bernazam carries the meaning of singing.
Nazam songs are divided into two versions, the Serkam and Tanjung. The songs were beginning to be sung in Terengganu, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan. The nazam performed in Malacca is called Nazam Asli which is based on Islamic teachings. While another, the Creative Nazam, is concerning current events or stories, sung with a drumming background, which is importantly not prohibited by Islamic teachings or Malay culture (Abdul Latif, 2013). Lastly, nazam is performed by men and women.
The Lyirik of Nazam
Pillars of Islam Nazam
Allah Allah Azzawajal our Lord
We ask for forgiveness of our sins
Protect our journey
I surrender to You, Ya Allah
Islam’s core is the five pillars
The shahada is the first core of faith
The second, prayer is the pillar of religion
The third, fasting in the main month of Ramadan (Repeat)
The fourth, extending the zakat when it’s due
Thus one should not be neglecting
The fifth, performing the hajj at the House of God
If one is able, it is obligatory.
Nazam functions as a medium to conduct Islamic teachings, laws and stories of the Prophet. Its performances are often held at official state government events, Malay weddings, and thanksgivings.
There is no specific dress for the performance. However, the performers wear clothes embodying a Malay identity, where men wearing baju Melayu and women, baju kurung or kebaya for women.
The performance of Nazam Asli does not require any musical instruments. While Creative Nazam needs music for a better story-telling effect, thus its instruments are 'chimes', 'conga', 'cajon', 'tamborine', 'shaker' and 'yanke' percussion.
The nazam figure of Malacca is Norliza binti Haji Md Yamin, a young artist, who has been singing it. She is heavily involved in raising the nazam arts at Malacca schools and higher learning institutions with competitions and performances in Malacca. Her vigorous effort has raised people’s interest in enjoying the art of nazam.
Reference Source
i.
Bahan
Bacaan
Abdul Latiff Abu Bakar. (2013). Puisi Nazam Melaka. Jurnal Peradaban
Melayu, 8, 61-87.
Hussain bin
Unang, 1994, Kamus At-tullab Arab-Melayu, Kuala Lumpur
Darulfikir.
ii.
Tokoh (jika
ada temu bual tokoh)
Norliza binti Md Yamin. (2023). Tokoh Budaya Melaka 2019
(Penggerak Seni Budaya Melaka). Temubual pada 21 September 2023.
Location
State JKKN Contact Information
Nur Al-Farani binti Rosli
Cultural Officer
Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara, Melaka
Kompleks JKKN Melaka
Hang Tuah Jaya, Lebuh Ayer Keroh,
75450 MELAKA
06 - 763 6308
