Kids strum ukuleles for National Day reviving centuries-old traditions

Strings of heritage: Jecy (left), Theseira and the other band members practising for their Merdeka eve performance at the Portuguese Settlement in Ujong Pasir.

MELAKA: An instrument with four strings, introduced more than five centuries ago, will once again be heard in the Portuguese Settlement when a group of children performs during the National Day eve celebration on Saturday.

The cavaquinho, first brought by Portuguese sailors in the 16th century, later evolved into the modern ukulele and once played a central role in keronchong music.