The traditional Malay music and dance form known as zapin traces its roots back to the “zafin” of the Hadhramaut region of South Arabia. Brought over by the Hadhrami Arab community, the musical form bridges the spiritual and the everyday. Prof Syed Farid Alatas talks to us about how exploring the roots of zapin - or “zafin” - could lead to greater cultural understanding of Islam, as well as dilute religious extremism.

Produced by: Sharmilla Ganesan

Presented by: Sharmilla Ganesan

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Tags:  zapin,  Malay music,  Malay culture,  music,  Islam,  religious extremism,  sociology,  Arab culture,  The Bigger Picture,  Front Row,  Culture, History, Heritage,  Music documentaries,  History,  People and Places,  Music,  Visual Arts