General : Renowned Dikir Barat Performer Jen Endoro Dies

Kota Bharu, Malaysia - Renowned Kelantanese dikir barat singer and lead improvisational vocalist, Mohammad Zain Ismail, popularly known as Jen Endoro, died at the Universiti Sains Malaysia Specialist Hospital in Kubang Kerian on Monday morning. The cause of his death was internal abdominal injuries, aged 66. His eldest daughter, Nur Farahin Mohammad Zin, revealed that her father was admitted to the hospital last week as his health began to deteriorate.

He had been confined to his bed since suffering a stroke five years ago. Tragically, his birthday on November 26 was not celebrated as planned. His remains were buried at Tok Guru Cemetery in Pulau Melaka following Zohor prayers. Jen Endoro's dikir barat career started at the tender age of 11 when he initially carried musical instruments, later becoming a chorus leader and a celebrated tukang karut.

Throughout his illustrious career, he released 11 albums and nine dikir barat video compact discs, with hit songs like Endoro, Mariani, and Bakpo Tok Royak Demo Bini Ore. His remarkable talent earned him several recognitions, including Best National Tukang Karut at Citrawarna 2001. In 2022, the Kelantan State Government posthumously honored him as a Dikir Barat Legend Icon during the Malam Himpunan Dikir Barat in Kota Bharu.

Jen Endoro also had the privilege of performing for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Prime Minister, and foreign dignitaries. He is survived by five children. His wife, who also had a stroke, passed away earlier in May.