Among them is the gambus, a traditional musical instrument most recognised in Johor – albeit less so among members of the younger generation.

For two artist-activists interviewed by FMT, the legacy of their forefathers is something that must be preserved.

“We are grateful to those who came before us who introduced the gambus, one of Johor’s icons. Now it is our responsibility to uphold it,” said 58-year-old Halidan Ithnin, a gambus maker who has been crafting the stringed instrument since 1996.

His uncle, Hassan Osman, is a prominent gambus maker in Johor as well.

Musician Zaidan Attan said he views the instrument as part of his identity. Having been raised in a family of gambus advocates, he and his brother, Nizam Attan, are determined to continue the legacy of their late father, the founder of the gambus group Nurul Hilal.

The 36-year-old added that without craftsmen such as Halidan and Hassan, younger players such as himself would not exist. Notably, Zaidan’s first gambus was made by Halidan’s uncle.

Halidan and Zaidan further explained that while the instrument originates from the Middle East, its design and how it is played have been adapted to suit local styles.

“The gambus is synonymous with Arab culture but we present it in a Malay way,” Zaidan said.

Halidan added: “I want to give the gambus a Malay identity, where the wood lives with me, breathes with me, is part of me.”

Reflecting on his career, Halidan highlighted that he was recognised as “Adiguru Kraf” by the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation last year.

“It’s satisfying to know there are people who appreciate my work,” he concluded.