Since the mid-sixties 'Malay music' has included the pop music that is similarly styled by the West. The guitar groups or ku-gi-ran as in 'kumpulan gitar ranchak' (literal: group of lively beat guitars) resulted in bands like 'Rhythm Boys', 'Swallows', 'Les Kalifas' and 'Impian Batek'. They had The Shadows line-up and fronted by singers like Jeffrydin, A. Ramlie and Kassim Selamat, three that I remember.
One influence from traditional to Malay pop was of course P. Ramlee, if ever, the greatest composer and singer in the 50s and beyond. I remember going to the Queen's Cinema in Geylang in the 60s to enjoy his movies like, 'Bujang Lapok', 'Penarek Becha', etc. He was the ultimate in composing ballads and paved the way for Malay singers and groups that came along later.
I had the opportunity to know Mr. Yusnor Ef in the 60s, a disciple of P. Ramlee, who explained to me P. Ramlee's concept of the 'silver screen' (term for movies), music and Malay tradition. Yusnor was better than a dictionary on P. Ramlee.
One influence from traditional to Malay pop was of course P. Ramlee, if ever, the greatest composer and singer in the 50s and beyond. I remember going to the Queen's Cinema in Geylang in the 60s to enjoy his movies like, 'Bujang Lapok', 'Penarek Becha', etc. He was the ultimate in composing ballads and paved the way for Malay singers and groups that came along later.
I had the opportunity to know Mr. Yusnor Ef in the 60s, a disciple of P. Ramlee, who explained to me P. Ramlee's concept of the 'silver screen' (term for movies), music and Malay tradition. Yusnor was better than a dictionary on P. Ramlee.
There were others who came after P. Ramlee. "Engkau laksana bulan..."
Wikipedia has a treasure of articles about Malay music.
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