Zainab Yakob’s granddaughter, Wan Alia Shahina Nor Jaafar, wearing a headgear which is a compulsory accessory needed for the ‘makyong’ performance.
KOTA BARU: The passing of makyong matriarch Zainab Yaakob, 85, earlier this year went unnoticed, but to many activists of the ancient art theatre, it was a great loss.
| Zainab Yakob played the ‘makyong’ since she was five. |
Zainab was one of the few ageing matriarchs of makyong who, with another two or three elderly male lead performers were able to perform the tunes, stories and dance movements of makyong in their original forms.
Makyong activist Ruhani Mohd Zin, 52, said Zainab was the last of the real makyong prima donna.
“She was an extraordinary woman. Her voice and dance movements were different from other prima donnas.
“She was generous and willing to share her knowledge and skills with other artistes.
“It is sad that her efforts to put makyong at a higher level went unrecognised,” said Ruhani, who was the wife of prominent makyong exponent, the late Shaari Abdullah.
Ruhani said Zainab who had played makyong since the age of 5, once complained to her that not many people had come to see her perform the traditional dance any more.
Zainab died on Jan 31 of old age. She was married three times and had a daughter from her first marriage and an adopted son.
The adopted son, Nor Jaafar Deraman,46, said his late mother left several items related to makyong including her complete makyong outfit.
“My daughter Wan Alia Shahina, who was close to her, took out the outfit, sarong and makyong headgear whenever she misses her,” said the father of 10 when met at Zainab’s house at Kampung Demit, Tumpat recently.
Nor Jaafar said Zainab stopped dancing three years ago due to health problems.
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