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Song in the Sumatran Highlands

People: Martis

Stage Name:
Other Names:
Role: janang
Sex: male.
Time Frame: Contemporary Figure
Source: personal acquaintance from Institut Seni Indonesia 2003.
Born:
Died:
Place of Origin: Pariangan
Place of Residence:
Year started performing:
Training:
Relationships to other performers: He was related to Syamsimar
Performances:

as janang at Performance: Kampung Jambak, December 2, 2003.

Songs composed:
Recordings:
Other notes: Martis was my teacher and research consultant in 2003-2004. He studied at and became a teacher at Institut Seni Indonesia.

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Contents of this tag:

This page is referenced by:

Performance: Kampung Jambak, December 2, 2003 28 Malam Bagurau image_header 2021-09-03T19:58:57+00:00 -0.45938, 100.40413 12/02/2003
Date: December 2-3, 2003
Place: Kampung Jambak, Padang Panjang, just outside the gates of the institution now known as Institut Seni Indonesia (ISI)
Style: Saluang Klasik

Occasion: Halal-bihalal (which means asking for forgiveness), in this context a community gathering to celebrate Lebaran, the week or so of celebration following Ramadan, the month of fasting in the Islamic calendar. All households in the neighborhood received a letter of invitation, something similar to this one.

Performers:
- Padendang:
  - Erni Batu Balang (f), the senior singer
  - Meri Batu Balang (f)
  - Mila (f)
- Tukang Saluang: Mak Lenggang
- Janang: Martis
Set up: This performance took place on a temporary stage set on the side of the road, opposite the house pictured above. The stage involved a raised platform made of wood, some of it covered with loose carpets. There were plastic walls on three sides of the stage, sheltering the performers from the wind. The padendang sat on stage, each with an energy drink and a pillow on their laps. The event, like most saluang performances, was heavily amplified so the music could be heard clearly throughout the neighborhood. I have a note that as the evening wore on, the volume was adjusted to a more moderate level. Performers and audience members were also provided with refreshments.

Audience: I don't have notes about the size of the audience, but I did recognize a number of faculty members and student from ISI in attendance. Many faculty members live in this neighborhood and while affiliated with it, there were also unofficial ties with ISI as the tukang saluang and janang were faculty and staff at the institution. There were also several foreigners in attendance, two other men in addition to myself. The audience was mixed in terms of age, and a handful of kids were present at the beginning. As was typical, the audience chatted throughout the performance.

Performance Duration: Not documented. I recorded 22 songs in 1hr 15minutes.

Requests: Audience members delivered their requests to the janang, who announced the title of the song just heard, along with the title for the next song, who requested it, how much they paid, any special requests (such as a certain singer), and a pantun the requester might have offered.

Ethnographers: Jennifer.
Attendance: Not documented, aside from notes that I left before the end because I was cold.
Notes: Before this performance, I had only ever attended something at ISI when I was an exchange student in 1998-9. This was my first community event, very early on in my fieldwork. My notes are not as comprehensive as they are at later performances.

Follow the pathway below to see repertoire and interpretation of this performance.
Song: "Singgalang Alai" 21 This song is part of a sub-category of songs called Singgalang that are named after the place, the nagari and mountain called Singgalang. plain 2021-05-14T11:45:17+00:00
The title of this tune is one of the most contested in saluang. There are two very different tunes that people identify as "Singgalang Alai." I learned this the hard way when I was invited to sing a dendang that I knew at Bagurau di Udaro September 27, 2004. I offered one of my standards, "Singgalang Alai," to Mak Il St. Rajo Endah, the announcer and emcee of the program and my contact at RRI. I had sung this tune at performances before without incident but this time was different. When the tukang saluang, Inyiak Harimau, began this song and Mak Ajis St. Sati delivered his first pantun, I was alarmed: this was not the tune I knew as "Singgalang Alai." I whispered that to Mak Il, but he told me not to worry and just sing what I knew. So I did and the tukang saluang switched songs mid-tune, following me. Mak Ajis then sang a verse of the version I knew after me: clearly he knew this tune, too. Confused, I chatted with Inyiak Harimau during a break. He told me that the practice of calling the song I sang "Singgalang Alai" was newer (personal conversation). The older convention was to call this tune "Singgalang Induak," as was indeed the title Sri and Pian used at the recording session in 2016. Finally, when I interviewed Ajis St. Sati a couple of months after the Bagurau di Udaro, he told me that the tune I know as "Singgalang Alai" is "Singgalang Gulai Rendang," offering the third title I heard for the same tune. He hummed the tune that he believed should be called "Singgalang Alai" (interview, Bukittinggi, 11/04/2004).

I am fascinated by this story. Just who was right? It doesn't matter as much to me as the idea that different performers have different practices and knowledge. To me that is the story. What it has complicated, however, is how to refer to the tune on this site. The best ethnographic process is to make sure to honor the titles used by the performers. Therefore, to clarify it's use on this site and to identify the different tunes I will use the terms "Singgalang Alai [Old]" for the version than Mak Ajis knows and "Singgalang Alai [New]" for the tune that many others identified as "Singgalang Alai."

Translation of Title: "Singgalang" in the title refers not just to place affiliation but to the category of songs called Singgalang. "Alai" is a neighborhood in Padang.
Explanation: The tune "Singgalang Alai [New]" or what others call "Singgalang Induak" is often the very first song of a saluang performance, following the Imbauan Saluang and Imbauan Singgalang. It is interesting that a song so key to saluang has such confusion surrounding its title.
Composer: Unknown.
Type of song: Singgalang.
Place affiliations: This whole category of song is named after the place, the nagari and mountain called Singgalang.
- Nagari: Singgalang.
- Kecamatan: X Koto.
- Luak: Tanah Data.
- Darek or Rantau: Darek.
Source: Mardjani's List of Songs (but it is unclear which tune was designated), Martis (who used the title refer to the tune marked here as "Singgalang Alai [New]").
Song: "Bola"
Translation of Title: "Soccer."
Composer: Unknown
Type of song: Gembira.
Genre of origin: dangdut Indonesia
Place affiliations: Unknown.
Source: Mardjani's List of Songs, Martis, Pak Ketua.
Description: According to Martis, the theme of this song is like having lots of partners/ girlfriends, like a ball bouncing all over the place.
Song: "Ratok Sabu" 14 This song is named after the place, the nagari Sabu. plain 2021-06-27T00:21:46+00:00
Alternative Title: "Sabu"
Translation of Title: "Ratok of Sabu," a song named for the place, nagari Sabu.
Composer: Unknown.
Type of song: Ratok.
Place affiliations:
- Nagari: Sabu.
- Kecamatan: Batipuah.
- Luak: Tanah Data.
- Darek or Rantau: Darek.
Source: Mardjani's List of Songs, Martis, Pak Ketua.
Description: The introduction for this song is similar to imbauan Singgalang, the introduction used for all Singgalang songs. The structure of the remainder of the song shares some other structural similarities, but according to Martis the similarity is not intentional, but more a result of relative proximity of place: Sabu is a nagari about 9 miles away from nagari Singgalang on the opposite side of the valley between Mt. Singgalang and Mt. Marapi. The theme for pantun is a lament by someone from Sabu about the loss of someone close, such as a husband or friend.
Song Clusters
Songs with Structural Similarities
With hundreds of songs in the repertoire, how do people--singers and audiences--differentiate them from each other? Each song has distinctive structural features--melodic and/or rhythmic content, ornamentation, and typical form. Sometimes what distinguishes one song from the next is microscopic. Often these similarities are geographic in origin. Songs from a particular place sound similar.

Martis described songs that from particular regions, like the group of ratok from Maninjau, as all being similar in kiek. We could see these stylistic aesthetics as one manifestation of music and place.

At one performance we attended, Pak Ketua described two particular songs--"Kabau Punco" and "Indang Parik Rantang"-- as being from a similar kurung (compartment). When we were working together on song identification and texts later that summer, Pak Ketua explained what he meant by the songs being in the same "kurung:" "Ada beda sedikit saja, dari sebuah lagu" (there is very little difference between these songs). The differences can take place at the beginning, the middle, or at different points (informal conversation, July 28, 2016). The similarities between these songs relate to melodic and rhythmic content, including ornamentation, along with overall structure. The differences might be slight, but enough to constitute a new song with a different title. It is one of the reasons that pagurau and even singers might confuse one song for another.
People: Antoni Datuak 12 Antoni Datuak is a janang. image_header 2021-06-24T00:37:58+00:00
Stage Name: Antoni Datuak (Pak Ketua identified him by this name)
Other Names: Dt. Mangiang (Martis identified him by this title)
Role: Janang.
Sex: Male.
Time Frame: Contemporary figure
Source: in person encounter at a performance in 2004
Born:
Died:
Place of Origin:
Place of Residence: Bukittinggi (according to Martis)
Year started performing:
Training:
Relationships to other performers:
Performances:
- Performance: Pariangan, February 10, 2004.
Other notes: Martis identified him as affiliated with the radio station, Radio Arau, which used to feature regular saluang shows. He also sung during a song at Performance: Pariangan, February 10, 2004, suggesting he had some capacity and knowledge as a padendang. It makes sense that janang need some familiarity with the repertoire.
Song: "Arau Babeliang" 10 This is a song named after the place, Harau, which is the name for a nagari, a kecamatan, and the valley. plain 2021-06-24T23:51:20+00:00
Translation of Title: This song is affiliated with the place, Harau Valley. The title translates as "Harau which twists around," a title that references the valley.
Composer: Unknown.
Type of song: Satangah Tiang.

Place affiliations: Harau Valley.
- Nagari: Harau.
- Kecamatan: Harau.
- Luak: Limopuluah Koto.
- Darek or Rantau: Darek.
Source: Martis.
Description: The lyrics should be based around describing the beauty of the views.
Song: "Ap Nyam Nyam" 9 This song is affiliated with the place, the town of Batusangkar. plain 2021-06-24T23:50:05+00:00
Translation of Title: "To Taste a Little," meaning to taste a little food.
Composer: Unknown.
Type of song: Gembira.
Genre of origin: New creation.
Place affiliations: The town of Batusangkar.
- Luak: Tanah Data.
- Darek or Rantau: Darek.
Source: Martis.
Description: While the literal interpretation is about tasing a little food, here it is a metaphor for tasting or trying out a love interest.
Song: "Muaro Labuah" 9 This song is named after the place, the nagari Muaro Labuah. plain 2021-06-26T23:34:17+00:00
Translation of title: This song is named after the place, nagari Muaro Labuah.
Composer: Unknown.
Type of song: Satangah Tiang (Others noted this as ratok)
Genre of origin: Dendang Solok
Place affiliations:
- Nagari: Muaro Labuah.
- Kecamatan: Sungai Pagu.
- Kabupaten: Solok Salatan.
- Darek or Rantau: Rantau.
Source: Te E's List of Songs.
Description: According to Martis, the pantun are connected with the sadness of an individual
Other notes: "Muaro Labuah" is included on Night Music of West Sumatra, performed on the bansi, in a regional style, dendang Solok, not on the saluang darek.

When the song is transferred to saluang darek, it sounds rather different:
Song: "Manjalang Subuah" Translation of Title: The title of this song translates as "to approach subuh (dawn)." Saluang performances end before subuh, in time for the morning prayer.
Explanation: According Mak Lenggang, "Manjalang Subuah" is one of the songs, like "Bacarai Kasiah," that is sung immediately prior to "Jalu-Jalu," the songs used at the end of a performance. Once this song is performed, the audience knows that the end is coming and they no longer make specific song requests. If they do make requests, it’s clear they don't know the etiquette of a saluang performance. (Informal interview, July 27, 2015).
Composer: Unknown.
Type of song: Satangah Tiang.
Genre of origin: Qasidah.
Place affiliations: Unknown.
Source: Martis.
People: Garin 9 Garin is a padendang. image_header 2021-06-18T12:49:33+00:00 -0.45571, 100.49278
Stage Name:
Other Names:
Role: Padendang.
Sex: Male.
Time Frame: Contemporary Figure
Source: personal encounter in 2004.
Born:
Died:
Place of Origin:
Place of Residence: Pariangan.
Year started performing:
Training:
Relationships to other performers: He's related to Syamsimar and Martis.
Performances:
- participated in Performance: Sekolah Tinggi Seni Indonesia, December 23, 2003. He was not one of the invited singers, but joined for some songs.
Songs composed:
Recordings:
Other notes:
Repertoire: Radio Republik Indonesia Bukittinggi, February 6, 2004 9 List of repertoire at Malam Suntuak plain 2021-06-17T19:32:42+00:00
1. Musical Item: Imbauan Saluang
2. Musical Item: Imbauan Singgalang
3. Song: "Singgalang Alai [New]": the tune was identified in my notes as "Singgalang Alai." I listened to the recording and worked on lyrics with Martis, who identified the tune in this way.
4. Song: "Arau Lamo"
5. Song: "Pariaman Lamo"
6. Song: "Cancang Kambiang"
7. Song: "Kabau Punco"
8. Song: "Suayan Maik Ka Turun"
9. Song: "Balam jo Rantiang"
10. Song: "Bujang Marando"
11. Song: "Tabek Sarojo"
12. Song: "Sorak Gaduik"
13. Song: "Oyak Ambacang"
14. Song: "Ratok Bonjo"
15. Song: "Antaran Dama"
16. Song: "Suntiang Patah Batikam"; Rendition: "Suntiang Patah Batikam"
17. Song: "Buaian Anak"
18. Song: "Tanjuang Baliak"
19. Musical Item: Imbauan Saluang
20. Song: "Mudiak Suak"
21. Song: "Singgalang Parak Kina"
22. Song: "Parambahan"
23. Song: "Balam jo Rantiang"
24. Song: "Suayan Balenggek"
25. Song: "Ense Garendeh"
26. Song: "Baburu Babi"
27. Song: "Barabah Mandi"
28. Song: "Pariaman Laweh"
29. Song: "Bungo Larangan"
30. Song: "Padang Magek"
31. Song: "Pariaman Lamo"
32. Musical Item: Imbauan Saluang
33. Musical Item: Imbauan Singgalang
34. Song: "Singgalang Lagundi"
35. Song: "Saba Mananti"
36. Song: "Sawah Rawang"
37. Song: "Ampaian Santo"
38. Song: "Pitaruah Ayah"
39. Item: Jalu-Jalu
Repertoire: Sekolah Tinggi Seni Indonesia, December 23, 2003 8 List of repertoire at Malam Bagurau plain 2021-06-22T22:15:26+00:00
1. Introductory Material: Imbauan Saluang
2. Introductory Material: Imbauan Singgalang
3. Song: "Singgalang Alai [New]". The tune was identified in my notes as "Singgalang Alai." I listened to the recording and worked on lyrics with Martis, who identified the tune in this way.
4. Song: "Suayan Balenggek"
5. Song: "Subarang Parik"
6. Song: "Cancang Kambiang"
7. Song: "Sijobang"
8. Song: "Lubuak Aluang"
9. Suite: Ampek Sajalan, Song #1: "Indang Ramolai" "
10. Suite: Ampek Sajalan, Song #2: "Indang Kayutanam"
11. Song: "Tigo Sapilin"
12. Song: "Pariaman Tangguang"
13. Song: "Bola"
14. Song: "Lawang Ambun Pagi"
15. Song: "Muaro Labuah"
16. Song: "Racun Dunia"
17. Song: "Suntiang Patah Batikam"
18. Song: "Cancang Pidia"
19. Song: "Koto Gadang Karimbo"
20. Song: "Jaho Tambangan"
21. Song: "Solok Gantiang"
22. Song: "Raimah Tanjuang"
Song: "Baburu Babi" 8 This song is affiliated with the place, the city Pariaman and kabupaten Padang Pariaman. plain 2021-06-24T23:54:42+00:00
Translation of Title: "Hunting Wild Pigs."
Composer: Unknown.
Type of song: Gembira.
Genre of origin: New creation.
Place affiliations:
- Kecamatan: Pariaman.
- Kabupaten: Padang Pariaman.
- Darek or Rantau: Rantau.
Source: Martis.
Description: The concept of the song is about chasing something that is wild. In saluang, the allusion refers to mutual chasing of a young person in which one is interested.
Song: "Bujang Marando" 8 This song is affiliated with the place, the town of Batusangkar. plain 2021-06-25T00:11:42+00:00
Translation of Title: "Divorced Bachelor."
Composer: Unknown.
Explanation: Syamsimar claimed authorship (interview with Syamsimar, Pariangan, September 24, 2004).
Type of song: Gembira.
Genre of origin: New creation.
Place affiliations: The city of Batusangkar.
- Luak: Tanah Data.
- Darek or Rantau: Darek.
Source: Te E's List of Songs, Mardjani's List of Songs.
Description: According to Martis, the theme of this song is about the category of "Bujang Marando," a term reserved for bachelors beyond the typical age of marriage. The song lyrics will involve jokes, such as "Why is he not married"? or "How come he sleeps alone"? Padendang will sometimes use an example of someone from the audience if they know someone who fits this criterion.
Song: "Suayan Anguih" 8 This song is named after the place, the nagari Suayan. plain 2021-06-29T23:23:49+00:00 -0.17798, 100.48907
Translation of Title: "Anguih" means scorched. "Suayan" is inserted in the title to indicate the song's affiliation with a specific place.
Explanation: According to Martis, all songs associated with Suayan are derived from laments, specifically those grieving the loss of an individual.
Composer: Unknown, Gadih Suayan (suggested by some).
Type of song:Ratok.
Place affiliations:
- Nagari: Suayan.
- Kecamatan: Akabiluru.
- Luak: Limopuluah Koto.
- Darek or Rantau: Darek.
Source: Te E's List of Songs, Mardjani's List of Songs.
Description: Martis explained the pantun for this song should be extremely sad, related to the concept of one's inner/spiritual self ablaze.
Song: "Kutang Barendo" 7 This song is affiliated with the place, the town of Batusangkar. plain 2021-06-26T23:00:51+00:00
Translation of Title: "Bra of Lace."
Composer: Syamsimar claimed authorship (interview with Syamsimar, Pariangan, September 24, 2004). A commercial recording attributes it to Syahrul Tarun Yusuf.
Type of song: Gembira.
Place affiliations: The city of Batusangkar.
- Luak: Tanah Data.
- Darek or Rantau: Darek.
Source: Martis, Pak Ketua.
Description: This song is a perfect example of a song that Mak Sawir considered porno, and thus not fitting for saluang. The title is "Lacy Bra," which brings one's attention to matters that are taboo and shouldn't be discussed publicly. The implication of this song title is that a woman's bra and/or breasts draw attention. The texts should have a link with the beauty of women's clothing and the life and existence of a bachelor/ widower who is without a woman in his life.
Repertoire: Padang Panjang, January 25, 2004 7 List of repertoire at Malam Bagurau plain 2021-06-19T19:18:10+00:00
1. Musical Item: Imbauan Saluang
2. Musical Item: Imbauan Singgalang
3. Song: "Singgalang Alai [New]": the tune was identified in my notes as "Singgalang Alai." I listened to the recording and worked on lyrics with Martis, who identified the tune in this way.
4. Song: "Arau Lamo"
5. Song: "Lintau Basiang"
6. Song: "Palaiaran"
7. Song: "Arau Babeliang"
8. Song: "Kambang Aia Aji"
9. Song: "Banda Sapuluah"
10. Song: "Ratok Balingka"
11. Song: "Bukak Babek"
12. Suite: Ampek Sajalan, Song #1: "Indang Ramolai"
13. Suite: Ampek Sajalan, Song #2: "Indang Kayutanam"
14. Suite: Ampek Sajalan, Song #3: "Indang Pariaman Laweh"
15. Suite: Ampek Sajalan, Song #4 "Indang Toboh"
16. Song: "Pariaman Lamo"
17. Song: "Ratok Sabu"
Song: "Lawang Lamo" 7 This song is named after the place, the nagari Lawang. plain 2021-06-30T22:19:59+00:00
Translation of Title: "Lamo" means "long (time)," "Lawang" in this title is used to reference the place, the nagari Lawang, along with the style of the song. "Lawang Lamo" means "Lawang song of long ago."
Composer: Unknown.
Type of song: Ratok.
Place affiliations:
- Nagari: Lawang.
- Kecamatan: Matua.
- Luak: Agam.
- Darek or Rantau: Darek.
Source: Te E's List of Songs.
Description: Martis related that the pantun for this song are pantun perasaian, about missing one's mother, one's kampung, etc.
Song: "Putiah Sarojo" 7 This song is affiliated with the place, the luak of Agam. plain 2021-06-30T22:46:15+00:00
Translation of Title: "White Lotus."
Composer: This is another song I have seen attributed to Mak Sawir.
Type of song: Ratok. However, the only recorded example of "Putiah Sarojo" is from a saluang dangdut performance, suggesting it's either a lagu gembira or there are two different tunes that go by this title.
Place affiliations:
- Luak: Agam.
- Darek or Rantau: Darek.
Source: Martis.
Song: "Sijobang" 6 This song is affiliated with the place, the city of Payokumbuah. plain 2021-06-29T22:53:20+00:00
Translation of Title: This song is named for a Minangkabau genre, sijobang, which is associated with Payokumbuah.
Composer: Unknown.
Type of song: Satangah Tiang.
Genre of origin: Sijobang
Place affiliations:
- City: Payokumbuah.
- Luak: Limopuluah Koto.
- Darek or Rantau: Darek.
Source: Martis.
Description: This song draws on the melodic and rhythmic material of sijobang. When this material was adapted to saluang, however, modifications to texts were required. Rather than using the kaba format, which was a through narrative, texts were structured as stand alone pantun. According to Martis, the texts were inspired by content of sijobang, hence calling the song "sijobang." But as in saluang, the pantun are not related to each other: they could cover pantun muda, pantun perasaian, etc.
Song: "Kapompong" 6 This song is affiliated with the place, the luak Tanah Data. plain 2021-06-25T01:05:40+00:00
Alternative title: "Solok Gantiang"
Translation of Title: "Kapompong" means "something that wants to grow but its results are hampered."
Composer: Unknown.
Type of song: Satangah Tiang.
Place affiliations:
- Luak: Tanah Data.
- Darek or Rantau: Darek.
Source: Martis.
Song: "Ratok Sariak" 6 This song is named after the place, the nagari Sariak. plain 2021-06-27T00:23:35+00:00 -0.36635, 100.40313
Alternative Title: "Sariak"
Translation of Title: "Ratok of Sariak." This song is named after the place, the nagari Sariak.
Composer: Unknown.
Type of song: Ratok.
Genre of origin: New creation.
Place affiliations:
- Nagari: Sariak.
- Kecamatan: Sungai Pua.
- Luak: Agam.
- Darek or Rantau: Darek.
Source: Te E's List of Songs, Mardjani's List of Songs.
Description: Martis related how this is a lament by someone from Sariak about sadness or suffering.
Song: "Pariaman Lamo" 6 This song is named after the place, the city Pariaman and kabupaten Padang Pariaman. plain 2021-06-30T22:44:50+00:00
Alternative Title: "Piaman Lamo" is the abbreviated title.
Translation of Title: "Lamo" means "long (time)," "Pariaman" in this title is used to reference the place, the city of Pariaman, along with the style of song. "Pariaman Lamo" means "Pariaman song of long ago."
Composer: Unknown.
Type of song: Ratok.
Place affiliations:
- City: Pariaman.
- Kabupaten: Padang Pariaman.
- Darek or Rantau: Rantau.
Source: Mardjani's List of Songs, Martis.
Description: According to Martis, the pantun for this song are pantun perasaian, either about life or love. He also related that the song has three sections, each with a complete pantun. The first section is called "induak" or mother, the following two sections are called "anak" or children. The vocalists can swtich after a verse.
Song: "Lego Puyuah" 6 This title translates as "Fighting Quails." plain 2021-06-26T23:19:16+00:00
Translation of Title: "Fighting Quails." "Fighting quails" also is a metaphor for sexual intercourse. The song often includes lyrics that are considered "porno."
Composer: This tune was adapted to saluang by Syamsimar.
Type of song: Gembira.
Genre of origin: According to Martis, Syamsimar adapted this song from Rabab Pasisia repertoire, specificially the type of material called "ginyang," comical verses.
Place affiliations:
- Kabupaten: Pasisia Salatan.
- Darek or Rantau: Rantau.
Source: Martis.
Song: "Koto Gadang Karimbo" 5 This song is named after the place, the nagari Koto Gadang Anam Koto. plain 2020-12-04T01:23:40+00:00
Translation of Title: "Karimbo" means "to go to the forest." "Koto Gadang" in this title is used to reference the place, the nagari Koto Gadang Anam Koto.
Composer: Unknown.
Type of song: Ratok.

Place affiliations: Lake Maninjau.
- Nagari: Koto Gadang Anam Koto.
- Kecamatan: Tanjuang Raya.
- Luak: Agam.
- Darek or Rantau: Darek.
Source: Te E's List of Songs.
Description: Martis told me that the lyrics for this song are tied to sadness about work in gardens or the forest.
Song: "Pitaruah Ayah" 5 This song is affiliated with the place, the luak of Agam. plain 2021-06-26T23:59:29+00:00
Translation of Title: "A Father's Advice."
Composer: Unknown.
Type of song: Ratok.
Place affiliations:
- Luak: Agam.
- Darek or Rantau: Darek.
Source: Martis.
Song: "Ombak Tanjuang Cino" 5 This song is affiliated with the place, Lake Maninjau. plain 2021-06-26T23:40:18+00:00
Translation of Title: "Ombak" means "waves," "Tanjuang Cino" is the name of a place, a promontory that is called the "Chinese Promontory."
Composer: Mak Sawir.
Type of song: Satangah Tiang.
Place affiliations: Lake Maninjau.
- Kecamatan: Tanjuang Raya.
- Luak: Agam.
- Darek or Rantau: Darek.
Source: Te E's List of Songs.
Description: According to Martis, the pantun is a little more structured, having to do with waves at a promontory or the beautiful views of a natural spot. The sense of waves is felt in the rhythm of the song.
Song: "Rambun Malam" 5 One of the suite of 4 songs known as "Ampek Sajalan." plain 2021-05-26T15:29:23+00:00
Translation of Title: "The blossoming of the night"
Explanation: One of the songs part of the Ampek Sajalan suite.
Composer: According to Martis, the suite was the creation of an artist from Payokumbuah.
Type of song: Satangah Tiang.
Genre of origin: Indang Pariaman.
Place affiliations:
- City: Pariaman.
- Kabupaten: Padang Pariaman.
- Darek or Rantau: Rantau.
Song: "Indang Kurinci" 5 This song is named after the place, Mount Kurinci. plain 2021-06-25T00:37:15+00:00
Translation of Title: "Indang of Kurinci." "Indang" in the title is used to indicate the style of song. "Kurinci" is clearly referncing the place, Mt. Kurinci.
Composer: Syamsimar.
Type of song: Gembira.
Place affiliations: From its title, this song is clearly affiliated with Mt. Kurinci.
- Darek or Rantau: Rantau.
Source: Mardjani's List of Songs, Martis.
Song: "Bukak Babek" 5 This song is affiliated with the place, the city of Payokumbuah. plain 2021-06-25T00:13:52+00:00
Translation of Title: The literal translation is "Opening the Bandages," but the title has porno connotations. The term is a metaphor for sexual intercourse the first time after a woman has given birth. It is porno because it is inappropriate to explicitly discuss or reference such matters.
Composer: Unknown.
Type of song: Gembira.
Genre of origin: New creation.
Place affiliations:
- City: Payokumbuah.
- Luak: Limopuluah Koto.
- Darek or Rantau: Darek.
Source: Martis.
Song: "Angin Malam" 5 This title translates as "wind at night." plain 2021-06-30T21:55:37+00:00
Translation of Title: The title of this song translates as "wind at night."
Composer: Unknown.
Type of song: Unknown.
Genre of origin: Saluang dangdut.
Place affiliations:
- City: Payokumbuah.
- Luak: Agam.
- Darek or Rantau: Darek.
Source: Martis.
Song: "Indang Bareh Maha" 4 This song is affiliated with the place, the nagari Pariangan. plain 2021-06-30T22:07:17+00:00
Translation of Title: "Indang of Expensive Rice." "Indang" in the title is used to indicate the style of song.
Composer: Syamsimar.
Type of song: Gembira.
Place affiliations:
- Nagari: Pariangan.
- Kecamatan: Pariangan.
- Luak: Tanah Data.
- Darek or Rantau: Darek.
Source: Martis.
Song: "Suayan Lamo" 4 This song is named after the place, the nagari Suayan. plain 2021-06-29T23:27:20+00:00 -0.17798, 100.48907
Translation of Title: "Lamo" means "long (time)," "Suayan" is inserted in the title to indicate the song's affiliation with a specific place. "Suayan Lamo" could mean "the Suayan song/ place of long ago."
Explanation: According to Martis, all songs associated with Suayan are derived from laments, specifically those grieving the loss of an individual.
Composer: Unknown.
Type of song:Ratok.
Place affiliations:
- Nagari: Suayan.
- Kecamatan: Akabiluru.
- Luak: Limopuluah Koto.
- Darek or Rantau: Darek.
Source: Mardjani's List of Songs,Martis.
Description: According to Martis, this is a burial lament that was sung a very long time ago. It is the oldest dendang from Suayan. The textual theme becomes relating someone's sadness and disappointments inhabiting this world when someone close dies.
Song: "Tigo Giriak" 4 This song is affiliated with the place, Lake Maninjau. plain 2021-06-29T23:48:12+00:00
Translation of Title: "Three Tools for Drilling"
Composer: Unknown.
Type of song:Ratok.
Place affiliations: Lake Maninjau.
- Kecamatan: Tanjuang Raya.
- Luak: Agam.
- Darek or Rantau: Darek.
Source: Martis.
Description: This song resembles "Mudiak Suak" and "Suntiang Patah Batikam" in terms of melodic structure, with a melody focused on just three pitches. As both Martis and Pak Ketua told me, it is not unusual for songs from the same place--in this case Maninjau--to be resemble each other or be nearly identical in terms of structure. Martis used the word "kiek" to describe this.
Song: "Raimah Tanjuang" Translation of Title: "Raimah" is the name of a person, "Tanjuang" is a place, but it's unclear which one. The title is "Raimah of Tanjuang."
Composer: Unknown.
Type of song: Satangah Tiang.
Place affiliations: Saipul associated this song with the Maninjau region, while someone else told me Batusangkar. It's a good example of how people have different interpretations of lagu asal.
Source: Te E's List of Songs.
Description: According to Martis, the pantun can be either pantun muda or pantun parasaian. Once the first padendang sets the mood, the others should follow suit.
Song: "Racun Dunia" 4 This song is affiliated with the place, the luak Tanah Data. plain 2021-06-27T00:02:58+00:00
Translation of Title: "Poison of the world." According to Martis, the perception in this song is that the most powerful posion in this world is young love.
Composer: Syamsimar.
Type of song: Gembira.
Genre of origin: New creation.
Place affiliations:
- Luak: Tanah Data.
- Darek or Rantau: Darek.
Source: Martis.
Song: "Suayan Tinggi" 4 This song is named after the place, the nagari Suayan. plain 2021-06-22T16:12:51+00:00 -0.17798, 100.48907
Translation of Title: "Tinggi" means "high," which Martis said refered to the melody of this song and was used [as a lament] for high-ranking people within the adat system. "Suayan" is inserted in the title to indicate the song's affiliation with a specific place.
Explanation: According to Martis, all songs associated with Suayan are derived from laments, specifically those grieving the loss of an individual.
Composer: Unknown.
Type of song: Ratok.
Place affiliations:
- Nagari: Suayan.
- Kecamatan: Akabiluru.
- Luak: Limopuluah Koto.
- Darek or Rantau: Darek.
Source: Mardjani's List of Songs, Martis.
Song: "Indang Ramolai" 4 One of the suite of 4 songs known as "Ampek Sajalan." plain 2021-06-25T00:44:34+00:00
Translation of Title: "Indang of Ramolai." "Indang" in the title is used to indicate the style of song, "Ramolai" is the name of a person.
Explanation: One of the songs part of the Ampek Sajalan suite.
Composer: Martis identified this as a song created by an artist who lived in Payokumbuah.
Type of song: Gembira.
Genre of origin: Indang Pariaman.
Place affiliations: This song is affiliated with Payokumbuah, because it was created there, but also the place, the city Pariaman and kabupaten Padang Pariaman because the song is affiliated with the genre Indang Pariaman. I consider the second the stronger place affiliation because it was inspired by the musical content of that region. It sounds like a song from Pariaman.
- City: Pariaman.
- Kabupaten: Padang Pariaman.
- Darek or Rantau: Rantau.
Source: Martis.
Song: "Indang Toboh" 3 One of the suite of 4 songs known as "Ampek Sajalan;" also named after the place, the nagari Toboh. plain 2020-11-01T20:28:00+00:00
Translation of Title: "Indang of Toboh." "Indang" in the title is used to indicate the style of song, "Toboh" refers to a place in Padang Pariaman.
Composer: Unknown.
Explanation: One of the songs part of the Ampek Sajalan suite.
Type of song: Satangah Tiang (Other people noted this as gembira.)
Genre of origin: Indang.
Place affiliations:
- Nagari: Toboh Gadang.
- Kecamatan: Sintuk Toboh Gadang.
- Kabupaten: Padang Pariaman.
- Darek or Rantau: Rantau.
Source: Te E's List of Songs, Martis.

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