Malay CultureFest 2022 Celebrates The Evolution Of Malay Culture In Singapore

Organised by the Malay Heritage Centre (MHC), the annual Malay CultureFest celebrates the evolution of Malay culture in Singapore, and its intricate links to the Nusantara through specific themes that touch on richness, diversity and cross-cultural influences. This year, in conjunction with MHC’s special exhibition Cerita, Malay CultureFest 2022 will present an exciting assortment of performances, workshops and forums held both onsite and online.

Date: 28 January to 13 February 2022
Time: Various Timings
Venue: Malay Heritage Centre

Malay CultureFest Image credit: Malay Heritage Centre

Festival Highlights: Onsite programmes

In Celebration of Sri Warisan at Taman Warisan

Date: 29 January 2022
Time: 8pm
Venue: MHC Auditorium
Admission: $20

This performance with the concept of a ‘Docu-edutainment’ will showcase Sri Warisan’s journey at MHC since 2002, which was the beginning of the pre-opening of the Centre. In 2005, Sri Warisan was the ‘Resident Performing Arts Group’ and performed at least three cultural shows daily. Mdm Som Said was one of the three Resident Cultural Icons, together with Mr Iskandar Jalil and the late Mr Sarkasi Said.

Get a glimpse of the curated events, festivals, talks and commissioned work for MHC. Sri Warisan will be performing historical songs such as “Citra Bangsa in Kampong Gelam” which showcases the history of immigrants who came to Kampong Gelam, as well as “Lestari seni di Taman Warisan”, a grandure royal dance and also a song used to welcome guests and tourists who came to MHC with the use of Cembul Emas (translation) props, which is coincidentally the element used in MHC’s logo. Both songs were composed by local Composer Mr Zubir Abdullah.

Visit here to book your tickets now!

[FULLY REGISTERED] [Cerita Kita Series] The Other Malays: Locating the Orang Pulau and Orang Laut in Singapore’s Narratives

Date: 5 February 2022
Time: 2pm
Venue: MHC Auditorium
Admission: $5 refundable deposit

Singapore’s history is filled with stories of the Orang Laut and the people who inhabit the smaller islands nearby. However, there is still much that we do not know about these communities. In this forum, MHC has identified several individuals to share the lived experiences of the Orang Laut and Orang Pulau, their histories, traditions and unique beliefs. Joining the panel will be Dr Hamzah Muzaini whose research includes the southern islands and their people. Reserve your seat now here.

Sentosa di Kubah Hayat featuring Ramli Sarip

Date: 5 February 2022
Time: 8pm
Venue: MHC Auditorium
Admission: $50

Enjoy some of the greatest hits and recent music from local rock icon Ramli Sarip. Book your tickets now here.

[FULLY REGISTERED] Dang Anum by Anggerik Temasek Bangsawan

Date: 12 February 2022
Time: 3pm & 8pm
Venue: MHC Auditorium
Admission: $20

Immerse yourself in the Bangsawan performance of the tragic story of a young woman who became the favourite consort of the Sultan, and the perils that followed which shocked a nation.

Bangsawan Workshop

Date: 13 February 2022
Time: 3pm
Venue: MHC Auditorium
Admission: $5 refundable deposit

Bangsawan is a type of traditional Malay opera or theatre accompanied by music and dance. Participants can practice their flair for acting and learn various character archetypes found in the traditional Malay Bangsawan at this immersive workshop experience. Register here.

Festival Highlights: Online programmes

Lintas Nusantara x Silat: Balada Nusantara

Date: 30 January 2022 (Showcase #1), 4 February 2022 (Showcase #2)
Time: 8pm
Venue: MHC Facebook Live
Admission: Free

The 10th installation of Lintas Nusantara is a love letter to silat – an ancient martial art form practiced across the Nusantara. Explore silat’s influence on dance in the region through magnetic performances.

Showcase #1

Pajaga Makkunrai, Malkassar: Performed by Ida El Bahra Arts Management feat. Daeng Serang Dakko and Guru Tenri
Galuik Kumango, Jakarta: Performed by Benny Krisnawardi and Sigma Dance Company

Showcase #2

Dauliti, Singapore: Performed by The Kaizen and Seri Setia Pulau Singa
Silat and the Bawean Community: Featuring Persatuan Bawean Singapura and Sanggar Seni Dharma Pasuruan

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