Kompang is traditional
musical instrument drums for the Malay community. Kompang is believed to have
originated in the Middle East country. kompang was brought by Arab traders who came to
trade in the archipelago. It is used to attract buyers to their business. The migration of
Jawanese to Malaya especially in Johor, Selangor and Malacca have brought in all the
kompang’s art. There are also theories that say that this kompang originated in Persia or
now known as Iran. Kompang is said to be used to enhance the spirit of the Muslim soldiers
when they went to war. Now, the drums have become part of the culture and arts of the
Malay archipelago music. In malaysia, kompang
music has various functions and roles. kompang is used to greet guests of honor in a
ceremony. Basically, it aims to enliven a ceremony. Kompang has a certain size of either
12, 13 or 15 inches. Sizes between 12 and 13 inches are more commonly produced
because they are the most commonly used. Kompang usually played in a group whether
sitting, standing or walking. The way kompang was played depends on the ceremony. Kompang skin is
usually produced from goat skin. There is also the making of kompang using cowhide, but the
sound produced is definitely different.