Zapin

Zapin (Jawi: زافين) is one of the most popular dance and musical forms in traditional Malay performing arts. Dance movements are choreographed to melodies, which are performed using musical instruments such as the gambus (short-necked lute), accordion, and rebana.

It is believed to have been introduced by Persian and Arab Muslim missionaries from the Middle East to the Malay Archipelago around the fourteenth century, where back then only males were allowed to perform; nowadays, female dancers are included. It had been performed exclusively for religious ceremonies, but through the years, it has become a form of traditional entertainment, hence the participation of female dancers is allowed.

In September 2026, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, and Malaysia announced a joint nomination of zapin for inscription on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, with the nomination expected to be submitted in March 2027.