Lack of appreciation for Sugandoi contest – past winner

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PENAMPANG: The state-level Sugandoi Kaamatan singing competition will receive better appreciation if a gallery is built to house and archive its history, progress and winners since its establishment in 1987.

Current chairman of the competition’s committee cum winner of the competition in 1981, Evaristus Gungkit, said the lack of such acknowledgment combined with the ever-changing committee and presidency had resulted in the lack of appreciation and value for the competition.

“Maybe if there is such a gallery, not only the committee members but the general public will also learn to appreciate the Sugandoi competition better,” he said in a press conference at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) here yesterday.

During the press conference, Evaristus and the committee members also brought up other issues related to the competition’s progress throughout the years, including increasing the minimum age for the Sugandoi Songkotoun (veteran singers) category from 50 years old to 60.

“This decision was made by the committee after taking into consideration the fact that the veteran category was always won by those in their 50’s, an age where the capability and energy should not be compared to those above the age of 60. Hence the minimum age was increased in hope of a better and fairer competition,” he said.

The Sugandoi singing competition is divided into three categories, namely the Sugandoi Dazanak for 12 years old and below, Sugandoi Kaamatan for those 18 years old and above and Sugandoi Songkotoun for 60 years old above.

The registration for both the Dazanak and Songkotoun categories will be held on May 15, followed by the final of the Dazanak competition and the semi-final for the Songkotoun category on May 16.

For the Sugandoi Kaamatan category, registration will be open on May 18, followed by practice and semi-finals on May 19, and the final stage of the competition on May 22.

The Sugandoi Kaamatan final, which will be the highlight of the competition, is expected to be graced and officiated by KDCA president Huguan Siou cum Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan.

Winners of the Sugandoi Kaamatan category will bring home RM6,000, RM4,000, RM3,000 in cash prizes for the champion, first and second runners-up respectively, while the consolation prize winner will win RM600 cash prize. A special award is also given to the most popular singer with a RM300 cash prize.

Meanwhile, champions of the Dazanak and Songkotoun categories will win RM2,000 cash prize respectively, followed by RM1,000 and RM800 to be won by the first and second runners-up of each category respectively.

Consolation prize winner of the Dazanak category will bring home RM200 cash prize, while RM300 goes to the consolation winner of the Songkotoun category.

“Through the Dazanak category we start training our Kadazandusun musical talents young, prepare them and help channel their talents on a bigger platform at national level.

“And through the Songkotoun category, we aim to keep encouraging our veterans who still wish to showcase their talent to sing, giving them the opportunity to share with us the music from those days that can still touch a chord in many of us,” said Evaristus.