Nyanyi Panjang is a story told by singing (nyanyi) or rhythm, and normally the recitation takes a long time (waktu yang panjang), usually more than a night for one single story. It is told by a storyteller (tukang cerita, sometimes also called as Tukang Nyanyi Panjang) in songs or certain rhythmic melodies depending on the story`s title. Nyanyi Panjang tells a story of a character or wira who possess supernatural powers from various sources.

Nyanyi Panjang is categorized as a narrative oral literature. It is performed in front of people by a Tukang Nyanyi Panjang. The term “Nyanyi Panjang” derived from “Nyanyi” which refers to the form of the show (nyanyian or “singing”), and “Panjang” which refers to the long duration of the show.

Stories told in Nyanyi Panjang can be classified into Primary Orality category, meaning that they are told and inherited orally. Until today, there has not been any reference book from which Petalangan people could find a story to tell. The tradition is slightly different from other oral traditions in Malay realm, such as syair (poem), nazam (an Arab word meaning poetry telling Islamic teachings), and barzanji (honoring prayer and story of Prophet Muhammad SAW that is told in a certain of rhythm or tune). In general, Malay oral traditions are usually based on texts. This kind of work can be categorized as Semi Primary Prality tradition.

(Tunggul Tauladan/ensi/01/01-2010)

Translation by Reza Daffi (terj/08/02-10)

Reference:

• Sudirman Shomary, 2004. Nyanyi Panjang orang Petalangan Kabupaten Pelalawan. Pekanbaru: UIR Press.
• Tenas Effendy,  1997. Bujang Tan Domang: Sastra lisan orang Petalangan. Yogyakarta: Yayasan Bentang Budaya.