Father and Son Preserve Traditional Rebana Drum Craft in Malaysia

In the village of Kampung Gong Ubi Keling, Malaysia, a father and son duo are diligently working to keep alive the traditional art of crafting rebana drums. These instruments, known for their vibrant sound accompanying dikir and silat performances, are more than just musical tools; each drum carries a story shaped by the hands that made it.

Hapizi Hussin, 44, embodies this dedication. For him, the creation of rebana is not merely a means of earning a livelihood. It is a deep-seated passion that has been with him since his childhood, a craft he has nurtured and continues to practice with his father.

Their work ensures that this unique cultural heritage, tied to the rhythmic sounds that define local traditions, is passed down through generations. The meticulous process of shaping wood and stretching skins into these distinctive drums highlights a commitment to preserving a piece of Malaysian cultural identity.