Dikir Barat Singapura

Dikir Barat Singapura also known as Dikir Singapura is a local adaptation of the dikir barat choral performance art in Singapore that has gained widespread recognition, particularly within its Malay community.

The art of dikir barat developed in the northeastern Malay Peninsula, specifically in Patani, Kelantan and Terengganu under the influence of the Patani Kingdom; the adjective barat ('west') indicated its possible origins from Siam west of the kingdom. Singapore's location on the Malacca and Singapore straits further south historically lay in direct contact with the Johor and Riau-Lingga sultanates shaping its Malay population's own distinct artistic and cultural traditions. Despite this historical divergence, dikir barat was introduced to Singapore’s Malay community and gradually adapted to its new environment. Over time, Dikir Barat Singapura has undergone stylistic and thematic transformations, differentiating it from its traditional forms in the Malay Peninsula. Performances often exhibit faster tempos and a wider thematic range, reflecting its integration into Singapore’s cultural landscape.

Beyond its artistic significance, Dikir Barat in Singapore has become an important vehicle for community engagement and cultural continuity among the Malay population. Educational institutions play a key role in sustaining the art form by incorporating it into co-curricular programs, where students develop teamwork, creativity and a deeper appreciation of their cultural heritage. In addition to its presence in schools, Dikir Barat is a prominent feature in community events and national celebrations, serving as a platform for the wider promotion of Malay cultural identity within Singapore’s multicultural society.