New Technology in Modern Dikir Barat: Consideration of Acceptance and Development in The Kelantan Community

Abstract

Berdikir is the singing of the Kelantan dialect en masse with a loud voice according to a certain rhythm. Dikir barat serves as a symbol of identity, as well as a form of entertainment that is linked with the cultural life of the local community in the state of Kelantan, Malaysia. The advent of technology has somewhat modernized its classical features which in turn reflects that the original nature of the song seems difficult to preserve. This study examines the application of new technologies in the modern dikir barat towards its acceptance and development in the Kelantan community. A total of 200 questionnaires were developed and distributed. The samples of the study consisted of the active participants of the dikir show with age range from 13 until 100. The data collected were analyzed to determine the acceptance of the modern form dikir as well as the extent of development brought to the community by the application of the technology to the modern dikir. It was observed from the finding of the study that the community accepted the new modern dikir barat. Moreover, the finding reveals the new modern dikir could attract more people as opposed to the oldern dikir barat which may promote tourism activity in Kelantan. It can be included from the findings of the present study that the use of modern technology in the classical music has transformed the way people perceived music which go a long way in fostering its overall acceptance and contributing to the community participation.