MELAKA: A passionate cultural activist from the Portuguese Settlement here is bringing back the timeless sounds of Christmas by reviving classic Kristang melodies that once echoed through the ancient quarters of the historical city.
Martin Theseira (pic) said he hopes to rekindle the festive atmosphere in the settlement with traditional Yuletide tunes performed in Kristang, the creole language unique to Melaka’s Eurasian community of Portuguese-Malay descent.
“This season of giving, I want to share throwback tunes such as Silent Night, O Holy Night and What Child Is This, which reflect our colourful community life, along with evergreens like Jingkli Nona and Nina Boboi,” he said in an interview yesterday.
The 71-year-old added he hopes to eventually compose a Kristang rendition of All I Want for Christmas Is You, bringing a contemporary twist to a language close to his heart.
Theseira, who is also chairman of the Save the Portuguese Community Action Committee, believes showcasing Kristang folk music during Christmas could help propel the genre to international attention.
“Who knows? One day, these songs may be sung alongside Merry Christmas and perhaps even become as familiar as ‘White Christmas’.
“I hope a Kristang song will someday stand as a beloved Christmas classic,” he said.
Theseira said Kristang music encapsulates the traditions and daily life of the Portuguese community, with many songs written by members of the Portuguese Cultural Society, founded in 1967 by the late Bernard Sta Maria.
However, he noted that Kristang is gradually fading from everyday use among younger generations.
Reviving the music during Christmas, he said, is a heartfelt way to keep the language alive.
“This festive season is the best time to showcase our language and inspire the younger generation to love it,” he said.
Theseira described Kristang as a precious and sometimes “secret” language, adding that ongoing efforts in art, music and cultural activities are crucial to its preservation.
He said he grew up in a family of choristers in Praya Lane here and attended Assumption Church, where choir singing formed an integral part of his upbringing.
“I have always loved music and playing the guitar since I was a young boy,” he added.
