The Majruj Sound: Muslim Practitioners of Musical Performances in Bangkok

Abstract

This research article deals with the Majruj performance of the Khon Lom Yen Club in Bangkok. The study took place in 2019-2020 investigating its background, transmission, Islamic views on performances, instruments, and musical contents. Research findings reveal that Majruj is a form of voice production based on traditional Islamic recitations accompanied by a variety of single-headed drums, while its lyrics adhered to Islamic teachings. The Khon Lom Yen Club was a gathering place of Islamic religious teachers who perform Majruj to propagate Islamic teachings to youths, support the learning of Al-Quran, and carry on the art of Majruj. The club members upheld the view that Muslims are allowed to sing and play music under conditions specified by Islamic laws. They learned their musical knowledge by rote, self-taught, as well as formal instruction. Most of the Khon Lom Yen club members were descendants of Malay Muslims who migrated to Bangkok during the early era of Bangkok settlement. At present, they gradually assimilated into a common set of national identity by speaking central Thai and adopting Thai names, while at the same time, maintaining their faith in Islam and their cultural identity through vocal performances.