Veteran artist Noraniza Idris seeks successor for Malay ethnic arts preservation

Veteran Malaysian artist Noraniza Idris, renowned for her dedication to ethnic creative arts and Malay heritage for over three decades, admits she has yet to find a worthy successor to carry on her lifelong mission. Beyond her singing career, Noraniza has been a fervent advocate for traditional arts, actively organizing programs like the Zapin Living Lab and developing cultural education modules to keep heritage relevant for the youth.

Noraniza expressed that the deeper she delves into cultural preservation, the more challenging it becomes to identify individuals with the same level of soul and sacrifice required. "I haven't found one yet. The more you get into it, the harder it is to find successors or protégés with the same spirit as us," she stated. She observes that while many younger artists are drawn to the appeal of traditional arts, finding those willing to make significant personal sacrifices for the cause remains difficult.

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I haven't found one yet. The more you get into it, the harder it is to find successors or protégés with the same spirit as us.

A significant hurdle, according to Noraniza, is the tendency for individuals to hoard their research and experiences rather than sharing knowledge with new generations. "Most people, if they do research, they keep it to themselves, they don't share. So how can our new generation get accurate input if we rely too much on TikTok, playing for content? But the real knowledge isn't accurate," she explained, underscoring the importance of structured programs.

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Most people, if they do research, they keep it to themselves, they don't share. So how can our new generation get accurate input if we rely too much on TikTok, playing for content? But the real knowledge isn't accurate.

Despite these challenges, Noraniza remains optimistic about finding individuals with a similar passion, even if they pursue different paths. Her primary goal is no longer personal fame but ensuring the continuity of Malay artistic heritage through education and knowledge transfer. This commitment began in 2012 with the introduction of Zapin dance competitions, later expanding through national tours, television programs, and workshops focused on etiquette and understanding Zapin.

She acknowledged that the journey has been arduous, noting that many participants initially prioritized winning prizes over the learning process. "Many people go for the prize but don't want to attend the workshops. From there, I saw that something had to be done. That's why I finally focused on workshops and education," she said. This realization led her to establish the Zapin Living Lab, a platform dedicated to heritage education.

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Many people go for the prize but don't want to attend the workshops. From there, I saw that something had to be done. That's why I finally focused on workshops and education.