In KL, Rumah Gambus strikes a chord in keeping musical heritage alive


‘The gambus isn’t just an instrument; it’s the heartbeat of my lifelong dedication to the art of music,’ says Raja Zulkarnain. Photo: The Star/Muhamad Shahril Rosli

If you build it, they will come. That famous Hollywood phrase definitely applies to Rumah Gambus – a tiny shoebox of a creative space – tucked in the middle of High Street Studios (a Think City heritage project) along Jalan Tun H.S. Lee in Kuala Lumpur.

During a recent late evening visit to the “showplace”, surrounded by glass walls, visitors were welcomed by the soulful strings of the gambus, which is an instrument (a short-necked lute) used for traditional music genres such as the ghazal and zapin.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Culture

What to know as the Louvre's ticket price goes up by 45%
Malaysian illustrator’s artwork selected for Pinocchio exhibition in Italy
As world burns, Indian author Amitav Ghosh writes for the future
Author Min Jin Lee's 'Pachinko' follow-up explores Korean education obsession
New Grammy category honours album covers and the artists that make them
Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei makes a long-awaited India debut
Weekend for the arts: 'Colorless, Odorless' video art, Hoo Kiew Hang show
Exhibition in KL showcases three skeletal remains from Nenggiri Valley’s prehistoric past
Australian festival apologises and reinstates invitation to Palestinian author
Cipta Seni Incubator returns, broadening artistic possibilities

Others Also Read