Dondang Sayang

Dondang Sayang (literally 'love ballad') originated in Malacca sometime in the 15th century, influenced by traditional Portuguese folk music.

It is a traditional Malay form of entertainment where Baba and Nyonya singers exchange extemporaneous Malay Pantun (poetry), in a lighthearted and sometimes humorous style.

The singers are normally accompanied by a violin, two Malay rebana (drums), and a tetawak (gong).

Musicians may switch instruments in between performances, but the violinist seldom does, although this is permitted.

The music is slow, and a song usually consists of 32 bars, beginning with a violin introduction, with the rebana and then the gong entering, and the voice finally entering in bar 5.