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Kumpulan Dabus Burdah Temasya
Kampung Bandar
Lot 84 -A, Jalan Teluk Pulai, Kampoung Sawah
42700 Banting SelangorPicture
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Introduction and history
Dabus dance is a traditional dance art full of cultural and historical elements. Although its origins cannot be ascertained precisely, it is believed to have existed since the reign of Caliph Zainal Abidin and is considered entertainment among the Muslim community. This dance was developed as a reaction to conflicts between certain clans, with the aim of scaring the enemy. Initially, it was associated with the followers of Saidina Ali and had an element of violence, where the dancers were considered capable of holding firearms. Over time, the extreme elements were removed, but the Dabus Dance remains a treasure of Malay and Islamic culture that reflects the feelings and complex historical background of the time.
Music in the Dabus game plays an important role in accompanying the movement and spirit of the players. In the Perak Dabus group in the 1970s, music was produced by a group of instrumentalists accompanying 22 Dabus players. Each performance is led by a caliph who is responsible for the safety of the players. The caliph would usually smoke and sprinkle the players as a ritual preparation before the performance began. Dabus music is not just entertainment but also reinforces the element of heroism and bravery in the Dabus game, which was originally a martial art.
Here are the three roles of music in the Dabus game:
Accompanying Dance Movements: Dabus's music provides rhythm and tempo that guides the movements of the players, ensuring uniformity and coherence in the performance.
Enhancing Spirit and Courage: The music serves to lift the player's spirits, highlighting the elements of heroism, courage, and agility that are the foundation of Dabus's art.
Safety Ritual: Music is played as part of a preparatory ritual, where the group leader (caliph) smokes and sprinkles the players before starting the performance, believed to be for protection and safety.
Here is how Dabus musicians wear their shirts:
Baju Melayu or Baju Kurung: Traditional clothing that symbolizes Malay culture.
Scarf or Tengkolok: Worn on the head as a symbol of custom and tradition.
Kain Samping or Kain Songket: Worn at the waist to add traditional elements and elegance.
Additional Accessories: Such as small daggers or belts, symbolizing heroism and traditional characteristics.
The Dabus music involves the use of several main musical instruments, namely the Gong, the Rebana Dabus, and the Anak Dabus. The gong serves as a tempo marker and plays an important role in controlling the dancer's movements based on the beat of the gong. The Rebana Dabus, which is usually used in as many as four to five pieces in one performance, provides the main rhythm that influences the movements of the dancers.
Meanwhile, Anak Dabus is held by the dancer with both hands and played according to the tempo of the song. This instrument is used to poke the dancer's hand, and when shaken, it emits a sound from rings or metal loops, adding a unique sound element that parallels the movement of the dancer's hand. The combination of these instruments produces a special rhythm that creates a traditional atmosphere in Dabus performances.
The rhythm of Dabus music does not have a specific pattern. Its basic rhythm resembles the inang rhythm. The Anak Dabus instruments typically play the melody, while the gong serves as a guide for the other musicians. Below is the basic rhythm in Dabus music.
The musical instruments used in Dabus performances include the Gong, Rebana Dabus, and Anak Dabus. The Gong acts as a tempo marker, and every movement of the dancers relies on its beats. The Rebana Dabus plays a significant role in influencing the dancers' movements, with typically four to five Rebana Dabus being used in a single performance.
Meanwhile, the Anak Dabus is held by the dancers in both hands and played according to the tempo of the music. This instrument is also used to prick the dancers' hands, and when moved, the Anak Dabus produces sounds from rings or metal loops, adding an auditory element as the dancers move their hands.
Mat Rosnan bin Hashim
This individual serves as the chairman of an organization and regularly organizes Dabus performances throughout Perak. In these events, he assumes the role of a khalifah (leader). Furthermore, he acts as an instructor and is the primary authority on the art of Dabus in the state of Perak.
Reference Source
Location
State JKKN Contact Information
Ahmad Zaimy bin Mohd Yusoff
Cultural Officer
Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara, Selangor
Tingkat 6, Menara Korporat,
Kompleks IDCC Shah Alam
Jalan Pahat L 15/L, Seksyen 15
40200 Shah Alam,
SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN
03-5543 1654 /1763
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