Malay Ghazal is a form of folk music of the Malays in Malaysia drawing influences from the Middle East, India and Pakistan on the choice and use of musical instruments such as harmonium, oud (called 'gambus' in Malay language), violin, acoustic guitar(sometime enhanced with inclusion of a bass guitar), tabla, maracas or tambourine. However, its melodic content greatly differs from that of India or Pakistan. The tunes are very melodic, melancholic and heart warming. The lyrics are in Malay language in the form of poems or 'pantun' with Malay proverbs thrown in for good measure as a general social advice.
Ghazal is very popular in the State of Johore, Malaysia and normally played during wedding celebrations and other joyous occasions. Sri Sekudai ghazal band originates from Sekudai, a district in the city of Johor Bahru, the state capital of Johore.
