ABSTRACT
Vocal music in the folk and classical traditions involves many aspects of life from the birth of a child, to the processes of human socialization, to death and burial. This chapter discusses several genres of vocal music which reflect the way of life, creative expression and musical skill of the many ethnic groups in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. Various aspects of religious practices may also involve singing. The Islamic religion encourages and inculcates the practice of zikir with the intention of obtaining peace, tranquility and happiness. Nasyid songs comprise sung poetry using Middle Eastern rhythms with Islamic themes for the purpose of spreading Islamic values. In the west coast regions of Sabah, members of the Bajau and Iranun communities sing pantun as entertainment. In Sarawak a type of sung narrative is known as wa among the Kajang peoples who live along the Upper Rejang River in the interior region of the state.
