2024 | Kahwin (SG) | 3 Types of Kompang in Singapore You Probably Don't Know

Kompang in Singapore, briefly. So what is a Malay Kompang?

In my previous post, we discussed How is a Malay Kompang for Weddings is Priced in Singapore. We have pretty much discovered what is it like if you were to run a kompang team hence it provided a lot of insights into what the operation is like.

So generally in Singapore, a Malay Kompang is held during wedding receptions and occasionally other events such as shop launches, the arrival of guests, and VIPs. A Malay Kompang is essentially a musical way of welcoming guests since the Malay Archipelago usually has a snippet of Arabic poems to complement it. Usually religious due to its root in the Middle East.

So what are the 3 types of Kompang in Singapore?

1. Traditional

A Malay Kompang is already a tradition itself in the Malay community in Singapore, however, there are certain rules and instruments to qualify as an authentic traditional Kompang. You might not notice the difference in how it sounds like but there is a trick to it to look for authentic traditional kompang groups in Singapore.

The usual instrument is every individual carrying the circular drum with brown skin in one hand and another hand to hit the drum, that instrument is called Kompang. You will also notice one huge instrument that usually ties around the holder’s neck with a strap, it produces a single bass hit on one single strike. That is called, Jiduran, some may call it different names but it is essentially the same instrument.

So now we know traditional kompang consists of just these 2 main pieces of equipment. This is the original configuration for a kompang performance which is very popular in Malaysia and Singapore.

2. Extended Traditional

You see, the notes and rhythms in a Malay Kompang are very unique on their own and have certain rules to it to generate the sound we always hear. On top of the traditional configuration above. Some teams may add extra instruments to further enhance the whole performance, those instruments can be like a Gamelan, Tambourine, and a few more.

These instruments act as a catchy rhythm on top of the whole kompang performance. Music on its own involves creativity and talent, it sets the mood on the event to be hyped, happy, and fun. There are no strict rules of these instruments to be added as long as what most of us think, it still has the base rhythm which is the whole kompang beats

Think of it like pieces of music you listen to on Spotify or Apple Music, some may have a certain DJ’s remix. It still holds the familiar rhythm and beats but it’s the DJ’s creativity in what kind of mood and feel he wants to achieve. This brings us to the last type of Kompang in Singapore which honestly quite a few of them offer the following type.

3. Kompang with percussions added.

There is no actual terminology to it but it is essentially a Malay Kompang performance with added percussion. Since these percussions originate from other parts of the world, the term Fusion is widely used.

Percussion instruments may look modernized, and well-built and probably makes you wonder where do they get it from. You see, there are many percussion instruments around the world that originates throughout.

But there is a unique touch to it, most of the teams that offer Kompang Fusion will only use a certain set of percussions. It turns out to be since Kompang performance is already a traditional piece of performance. Most of the teams adapt to other parts of the world’s traditional piece too. A proximate example is they may introduce you to beats and pieces of a traditional “Batucada” which refers to an African-Brazillian which uses tonnes of percussions and perform in an ensemble.

And many other pieces of traditional performances. Kompang Fusion has its high-energy up-funk beats due to its combination of percussions and kompang. It may be a little overwhelming for some, but rest assured. It is one of a kind experience.

Take away

Learn a thing or two that you probably have no idea who to ask, isn’t it? Now we have a little insight into the types of Malay Kompang in Singapore, I have prepared the top 3 Malay Kompang in Singapore for each category for you and done all the heavy lifting in researching and encounters. I can assure you quality guaranteed in these groups.

Do note that we will occasionally update or add Kompang groups to the list: