(From left) Matius Erang, Rafiuddin, Jiwari, Lucia, Matthew, Larissa, Aisah, Augustine and Lu pose with the CD.
The Warisan Sape Telang Usan CD.
KUCHING: Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) launched an album by Warisan Sape’ Telang Usan (Telang Usan Sape Heritage) at Menara SEB yesterday.
According to its press release, the launch of the recording in compact disc (CD) was part of SEB’s collaboration with communities at Baram to preserve Orang Ulu musical heritage.
SEB executive vice president for corporate services Aisah Eden officiated at the launch witnessed by group chief operating officer Lu Yew Hung, vice president for internal audit Rafiuddin Yeo Abdullah, general manager for CSR and Sustainability Jiwari Abdullah and manager for community relations Augustine Supen Taja.
Invited guests included Long San community leader Lucia Paya and village headman KK Mattius Erang as well as members of the Telang Usan community.
According to Aisah, the production of the CD under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability effort was paired with community development at its heart.
“We want to help preserve and promote Sarawak’s unique culture and heritage.”
The CD with 11 songs was recorded at Radio Televisyen Malaysia (Miri) in November 2018.
The first batch of 150 CDs will be distributed by SEB as corporate gifts, pending approval from National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) for commercial releases.
Warisan Sape Telang Usan troupe performed during the launch and was joined by internationally acclaimed musician Matthew Ngau and Miss Malaysia World 2018 Larissa Ping.
Members of the troupe were the first batch to graduate from a SEB sponsored 18-month training programme launched in 2016 in collaboration with Long San in Baram and supported by two schools in the area; SMK Dato Temenggong Lawai Jau and SK St Pius.
The troupe had performed at various cultural events including Rainforest World Music Festival 2017 and 2018, and recently got into Malaysia Book of Records for the longest non-stop sape performance of 50 hours alongside sape players from Baram and Belaga.
Sarawak Energy continues to work with the communities and will recruit the second batch of players in July.