Dikir Barat Kampung Merkang

Kumpulan Dikir Barat Kampung Merkang

emerges as cham in national

By NIK NAIZI HUSIN

THE popular dikir barat was performed to a packed audience at a national competition in Auditorium Darul Makmur, Kompleks Penyiaran Sultan Ahmad Shah, Kuantan, recently.The two finalists, Kumpulan Dikir Sri Budi and Kumpulan DK Merkang, made full use of the allocated 60 minutes to put up a great show aired live by RTM1. Kumpulan Dikir Sri Budi from Kampung Budi in Tawang, Bachok, Kelantan, was formed 11 years ago has 30 members.

Versatile: Kumpulan DK Merkang from Pasir Putih, Kelantan, in action at the finals.

It has been performing in Kelantan districts upon invitation by the state and private firms. A member of the group said that all the participants received guidance and training from renowned dikir barat masters Raja Abdul Kadir Raja Bidin and Azua Kota Jembal (better known as Borhanudin Tiang Mas).Kumpulan DK Merkang from Pasir Putih, Kelantan, was set up in 2003 and has 26 members led by Che Hasim Saidi.

It has emerged winner in various national championships held in Kelantan.Dikir barat is meant to entertain. However, the lyrics voiced by the tukang karut (first vocalist) and tok jogho(second vocalist) contain hidden messages including criticism and advice.During the competition, RTM made the event lively with performances by local comedians and artistes.Kumpulan DK Merkang was declared champion and bagged RM20,000 and a challenge trophy while its tukang karut Suhaimi Ibrahim and tok jogho Hanapiah Jusoh were named best vocalists.They each received a cash prize of RM3,000.First runner-up Kumpulan Dikir Sri Budi won RM15,000.