Dikir barat

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The origins of Dikir Barat is debatable.But most would accept it to be from Southern Thailand or Northern Peninsula Malaysia.In an agricultural society,the dikir barat was performed as a ritual or celebration of the rice harvest season.Today,dikir barat performances are mainly for entertainment but competitions between dikir barat groups are also held.Currently,the state of Malaysia Kelantan and Singapore are perhaps two places where Dikir Barat is still performed actively on many levels.

[edit] The Composition of a Dikir Barat Group

The basic elements of a Dikir Barat Group are the two front men, the Juara and the Tukang Karut, the Awok Awok and the Paluan.

The Juara is the singer of the group and he will usually open the performance of his or her group followed by the Tukang Karut. Unlike the Juara, the Tukang Karut will be interacting with the audience with his or her wit. The more engaging a Tukang Karut is the more effective he or she is as a performer. The Juara would be one with the melodious voice.