Dondang Sayang is a Malay traditional song and music form that is well known in the State of Malacca, where it is still practised by four communities: Malays, Baba Nyonyas, Chitty, and Portuguese. The term "Dondang Sayang" is a combination of words that means "Love Song" or "Song of Affection". This type of art is commonly seen as a love ballad that conveys affectionate feelings of love and advises on moral issues such as compassion and tolerance.
The establishment date of Dondang Sayang cannot be determined, but it has been compared to the establishment of the Melaka Sultanate in the 15th century. During that era, Dondang Sayang was a popular form of entertainment for both members of the Royal Court and their invited guests. Later, the performance became widespread among the various communities, performed by common folk at major celebrations and traditional celebrations.
It was during the second half of the 19th century, following Melaka's British occupation, that the Dondang Sayang movement began spreading to other parts of the Straits Settlements, such as Singapore and Penang, then spread into the Malay Peninsula.
There are many musical elements in the practice of Dondang Sayang, including violins, gongs, and tambourines (or the tambour), along with beautiful melodious strains of poetry. The number of musicians is between four and five. A violinist usually serves as the chief musician, providing a countermelody to the vocal melody. The music is slow, and a song usually comprises 32 bars, beginning with a violin intro, followed by the rebana and the gong, with the voice taking over for the last bar.
Its style is somewhat informal, and lyrics are often written in the form of love poems. According to tradition, the performances consist of two singers of opposite sexes vocalizing in quatrains, accompanied by music. The lyrics consist of quatrain verses, which are sung by the singer to their personal style, based on their respective capabilities and expertise.
Despite the fact that Dondang Sayang performances are open to everyone, regardless of age, occupation, position, or religion, the singer must have extensive and professional experience in poetry recitation. They must be quick-witted and possess a good command of the Malay language in addition to having an understanding of the local customs and culture.
Dondang Sayang is largely considered as a means of sending positive messages and sharing feelings of sadness, joy, and love which contribute to the strengthening of bonds within a community, and Pantun is an oral poetic form used to express those intricate ideas.
Regular performances are held, especially during gatherings, festivals, and parties, and a variety of cultural programs, and training activities are offered for those wishing to participate and improve their singing and performing abilities.
Today, Dondang Sayang is one of the main performances at government functions to ensure the continuity of this art heritage which has become a characteristic of Malacca's cultural heritage.