KOTA BHARU: Renowned Kelantanese dikir barat singer and tukang karut (lead improvisational vocalist) Mohammad Zain Ismail, better known as Jen Endoro, passed away at 6am today at the Universiti Sains Malaysia Specialist Hospital (HPUSM) in Kubang Kerian due to internal abdominal injuries. He was 66.
According to his eldest daughter, Nur Farahin Mohammad Zin, 33, her father was admitted to the hospital last week after his health deteriorated.
He had been bedridden following a stroke five years ago.
“Even more saddening, my father was supposed to celebrate his birthday on Nov 26, but that was not to be.
It is believed that his remains were laid to rest at the Tok Guru Cemetery in Pulau Melaka after Zohor prayers.
Jen Endoro’s dikir barat journey began when he was just 11 years old.
He started out carrying musical instruments before becoming a tok jogho (chorus leader) and eventually a celebrated tukang karut.
Over his career, he produced 11 albums and nine dikir barat video compact discs (VCDs), with popular hits including Endoro, Mariani, and Bakpo Tok Royak Demo Bini Ore.
His talent earned him numerous accolades, including Best National Tukang Karut at Citrawarna 2001.
In 2022, the Kelantan State Government honoured him as a Dikir Barat Legend Icon at the Malam Himpunan Dikir Barat in Kota Bharu for his contributions to the state’s heritage art.
He also had the honour of performing before the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Prime Minister, and foreign dignitaries.
He leaves behind five children. His wife, who also suffered a stroke, passed away earlier in May.