Dikir barat (original) (raw)

Dikir barat (Jawi: دكير بارت; Thai: ลิเกบารัต; RTGS: Li-ke Barat) is a musical form, native to the Malay Peninsula, that involves singing in groups—often in a competitive setting. Dikir barat may be performed either with a percussion instrumental accompaniment, or with no instruments at all. The origins of dikir barat are unclear; it is found in both Malaysia and Thailand, and today the Malaysia National Department for Culture and Arts actively promotes it as an important part of Malaysian national culture.