Bongai also known as Rentak Kuda, is a traditional folk music genre from the Malaysian state of Negeri Sembilan.[1][2] It can be sung as a solo, a duet or in a group with or without musical accompaniment.

Malays playing gongs Traditional Bertitik Bongai Boria Branyo Caklempong Dikir barat Dondang Sayang Gamelan Jawa Gamelan Melayu Gendang Ghazal Melayu Ghazal Parti Kroncong Kompang Kulintangan Mata-kantiga Nobat Rodat 24 Festive Drums Modern Contemporary Hip Hop Pop Rock
Music of Malaysia
Media and performance
Music awards Anugerah Industri Muzik Anugerah Juara Lagu Anugerah Planet Muzik Sarawak Music Awards Music festivals Rainforest World Music Festival Borneo Jazz Festival Penang Island Jazz Festival Music media RIM Charts
Nationalistic and patriotic songs
National anthem Negaraku
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History

Bongai reached its peak of fame in the 1950s where it was considered a must in any ceremony held especially wedding ceremonies in Negeri Sembilan. It is also performed for specific purposes, especially as entertainment during the evenings, after work. Bongai simply refers to the ceremony of reciting a poem through song, it is sometimes accompanied by instrumentation. It was historically performed at night.

Instruments

The musical instruments used in Bongai include: violin, rebana, gong, gendang, salung and tumbuk kalang. Besides these basic instruments, other instruments such as caklempong, bangsi, accordion and others can also be used.

Example of songs sung as part of Bongai include:[3]

• "Anak Bocek"
• "Budu Landai"
• "Cantik Manis"
• "Donak Donai"
• "Kapeh"

See also

• Gamelan
• Kulintangan

References