Growing interest in sape' helps keep heritage alive — Maestro
Looking ahead, Mathew says his role will be to support the next generation of sape' performers. — Photo by Desiree David
KUCHING (June 10): Once a taboo for women and nearly forgotten by younger generations, the sape' is now undergoing a revival, especially among the youths.
According to sape' maestro Mathew Ngau Jau, the growing interest in this iconic Orang Ulu stringed instrument is not only helping to preserve a rich cultural heritage, but also breaking the old taboos and bridging communities.
'Now I see young people, even from other races, are picking up the sape'.
'Parents come and ask if they could get one for their children. That makes me very happy,' said the 72-year-old Kenyah musician, who has spent more than 30 years performing and teaching the sape' across Malaysia.
Mathew's own journey with the traditional lute was far from immediate.
Growing up in Long Semiang, Ulu Baram, he was more interested in dancing than in music.
It was not until he attended school in Long San where a missionary teacher encouraged Orang Ulu cultural practices that he first picked up the sape'.
Even then, he only began to play seriously in his 20s, during his teaching days at SMK Bau.
'People started inviting me to perform, but I didn't feel confident.
'So during the holidays, I would return to the longhouse to learn from the elders,' said Mathew at an exclusive seminar on 'Sape' & The Soul of Borneo: Heritage, Identity and Future', held at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) near here yesterday.
Eventually, his persistence paid off.
Today, Mathew is considered a master of the sape', recognised nationally for his role in preserving and promoting this traditional art form.
The artiste has also helped pave the way for women to play this instrument, defying a longstanding taboo.
'Back then, girls weren't allowed to play the sape' in the longhouse. But I was the one who opened that door,' he said, pointing to players like Alena Murang as examples of women who have since taken the instrument to the world stage.
'At first, people in the longhouse weren't comfortable with it. But now, even the critics are gone.
'In my longhouse, I'm the oldest. The young people have taken over and many of them are girls,' he said.
With the instrument's popularity booming, especially in urban areas, the demand for sape' instruments has also surged, making the traditional materials harder to find.
Mathew said the original sape' was made from 'adau' wood, which is now rare.
He recounted a legend associated with 'adau' – about a gravely ill woman who was revived after hearing the sound of a sape' carved from the sacred wood, seen in a dream by her husband.
'The sound was different. Even in her dream, she recognised the name of the wood,' said Mathew.
He added that in the past, the sape' strings were made from jungle creepers known as 'iman', and the traditional instruments had only two strings.
'The modern versions now have up to six strings, allowing the musicians to play a broader range of music.
'Those with more strings are contemporary sape', not original like mine,' said Mathew, adding that the traditional form is most closely associated with the Kenyah and Kayan communities.
As for the future, Mathew said his role would be to support the next generation.
'I've done what I can. I can see that the sape' growing.
'It's popular now among the children, among the young adults, and even among people who aren't from our community.
'That's what makes me feel very satisfied,' he smiled. Arts and Culture lead Mathew Ngau Jau music sape
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
12 hours ago
- The Star
Sarawak's multicultural heritage shines at Gawai parade
KUCHING: Sarawak's rich multicultural heritage was on full display at the annual state Gawai parade on Saturday (June 21). Over 3,000 participants from 91 contingents representing the Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu communities took part in the parade, known as Niti Daun. Dressed in traditional costumes, they created a vibrant spectacle as they walked from the Tun Jugah Building to the Kuching Waterfront, accompanied by 12 decorated floats. This year's parade, organised by the Orang Ulu community, began with the traditional Mamat ritual at the Tun Jugah Building. Historically, this thanksgiving ritual was conducted before headhunting expeditions and to seek blessings for the paddy planting season. In modern times, the ritual continues to represent the core values of thanksgiving, unity, strength, and courage. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg flagged off the parade, accompanied by other state dignitaries. Participant Vanessa Livan Sigau, of mixed Kayan-Kenyah heritage, said it was her second time taking part in the parade. "I look forward to the opportunity to showcase my culture and traditional costume," she said, pointing to her beaded sash, belt, and feathered headgear known as tapung se'. Watt Enjup, a member of the Persatuan Kebajikan Terabai Menua contingent, said the parade brought together Sarawakians from all races to celebrate the Gawai festival together. "It shows that Sarawak has many ethnic groups, but we are all united," he said. Also participating in the parade were a contingent from the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association Sarawak branch and a delegation from North Kalimantan.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Borneo Post
Sa'ung weaving contest showcases Kenyah Badeng heritage at Kebana Festival in Miri
Hilary presents the mock cheque to Epa, whose sa'ung was adjudged best in competition. MIRI (June 20): The inaugural Sa'ung Weaving Competition held during the Kebana Festival here recently brought together weavers from across Sarawak in a vibrant celebration of Kenyah Badeng heritage and craftsmanship. Event spokesperson Hilary Samah Tet said the competition aimed not only to recognise weaving talent but also foster community participation, cultural pride and intergenerational learning. 'The competition was not just about winning – it was a platform for preserving tradition and passing down valuable skills to the younger generation,' he said in a statement. He added that the organisers are looking to make the event an annual feature in efforts to sustain and promote the traditional art form. The competition was inspired by the recent return of the original sa'ung – the iconic dome-shaped Kenyang Badeng sunhat – from the Pitt Rivers Museum in the United Kingdom. More than 15 weavers from Long Busang in Belaga, as well as Bintulu, Miri, and Kuching, took part in the event on May 31. Participants were challenged to recreate the sa'ung using traditional techniques and materials, with some opting to incorporate contemporary elements such as varnished finishes, prompting discussions on the balance between innovation and authenticity. Epa Erang took home first prize and title of inaugural champion, ahead of Aria Gong and Monica Sedai Uchat who secured second and third places respectively. Consolation prizes went to Rosalind Anek Olleh and Asa Anyan. A skilled artisan from Long Busang, Epa's sa'ung was crafted from bamboo using 'seling' – the smooth outer layer of bamboo. Judges commended her for the precision and authenticity of her work, which required skilled hands and meticulous preparation. The competition was held as part of the wider Kebana Festival, which aims to promote Kenyah culture and strengthen indigenous identity through arts, crafts and community-driven events. Kebana Festival Kenyah Badeng miri Sa'ung Weaving Competition
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Borneo Post
SMK St Columba Talent Night returns with burst of colour, creativity
Ting (fourth right), flanked by Danald (third right) and Jimbun, is pictured with the invited guests during the opening ceremony gimmick. MIRI: After a five-year hiatus and for the first time since 2019, SMK St Columba made a spectacular comeback with its Talent Night 2025, turning the school hall into a vibrant stage of music, movement, and youthful energy. Themed 'A Decade of Music', the evening featured more than 20 performances spanning cultural, contemporary, and martial arts genres. Officiated by Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting, the event was a heartfel celebration of passion and artistic growth. 'Tonight is more than just a showcase of abilities – it is a celebration of passion, hard work, and the limitless potential within each and every student,' said Ting, urging the youth to continue exploring the arts as a path of personal development. Also present was the Right Reverend Datuk Danald Jute, Bishop of the Anglican Church in Sarawak and Brunei, who described the event as a celebration of unity and talent. A student duo presents a captivating joint performance featuring the sape and a traditional Kenyah warrior dance. 'Events like this allow schools to discover the artistic gifts of their students, giving them the confidence to nurture and grow their talents,' he said, adding that co-curricular activities play a vital role in holistic student development. In his welcoming speech, Principal Jimbun Masam extended gratitude to all who contributed to the event's success, especially the 250 student performers and crew, led by organising chairman Anselm Kho. Electrifying K-pop dance cover by students. Highlights of the night included traditional dances representing Sarawak's diverse ethnic groups, a soulful sape performance, martial arts demonstrations featuring taekwondo and wushu, K-pop dance covers, band sets and vocal performances, as well as instrumental music by the school's brass band and Chinese orchestra. The event drew enthusiastic applause from parents, teachers, alumni, and the wider school community, all responding warmly to the performers' dedication and creativity. In conjunction with the event, Ting announced an RM200,000 allocation under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) to upgrade the school's basketball court. Powerful taekwondo performance by the students. He expressed hope that the improved facilities would foster greater student involvement in co-curricular activities. The organisers also thanked the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Lembaga Pengelola Sekolah (LPS), and the Alumni Association for their unwavering support in making the concert a success. As the final act concluded to roaring applause, the return of Talent Night was warmly received – with many hopeful that it will once again become a cherished annual tradition in the school calendar. entertainment lead performances Sebastian Ting SMK St Columba
