Preserving traditions through ‘Sape’ music

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Dennis (third left) hits the gong to launch BSMKL 2015.

Musician and composer Narawi Rashidi (right) shares tips with Orang Ulu community leaders on improving the sape.

Renowned international sape player Penghulu Jalong Tanyie from Long Mekaba performs at the festival.

Beads and bangles were among the items for sale.

MIRI: The first leg of the events leading up to the inaugural Baram Sape Master Kuala Lumpur (BSMKL 2015) kicked off at Permy Mall here yesterday in conjunction with Miri May Fest.

Telang Usan assemblyman, Dennis Ngau, when launching the event yesterday, urged Orang Ulus to uphold their traditions, in particular sape music – which has undergone tremendous transformation.

“We need to maintain the original sape music for posterity and cultural identification.

“This does not mean that we don’t want others to modify or modernise our sape music and its rhythm. What is important is to have the databank of sape music for easier identification of both original and modern sape music,” he said.

Dennis also called for strong support from all to ensure that the sape remains relevant, particularly as one of the Orang Ulu’s identities, which has the potential to become a tourist attraction.

“Support, including financial assistance from successful Orang Ulus and the general public too is greatly needed, especially for staging BSMKL 2015 in Kuala Lumpur,” he urged.

BSMKL 2015 will be held on Sept 4 and 5 to preserve and maintain the originality and uniqueness of Orang Ulu traditional music from Sarawak and Malaysia in general at both national and international levels.

It is the first to be held outside Sarawak, following the success of the 2014 Baram Sape Master, held in Long Lama.

Meanwhile, activities being held at Permy Mall are exhibitions and sales of sape and other handicrafts of the Orang Ulu by 15 stall operators.

There will also be a sape performance competition for both adults and students today at 10am.

Those interested can still register on the spot and admission is free.

Organising chairman and Miri administrative officer, Jeffrey Jalong said so far 20 people have confirmed their participation in the competition divided into adult, primary and secondary school categories. It offers cash prizes of RM200 to RM600 to the top three winners at the state level.

The top three national level winners of the competition, to be held on Sept 5 in Kuala Lumpur will take home RM3,000, RM2,000 and RM1,000 respectively in addition to trophies and certificates.

Among those present yesterday were Miri Deputy Resident, Emang Oyo Emang and Orang Ulu community leaders, including Temenggong Elizabeth Deng.