KUCHING: A gifted sape player of Sekapan ethnicity, ten-year-old Baptista Emmanuell Korintus is poised to take the global stage as he represents Malaysia at the prestigious 28th World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in the United States this July.
Having first picked up the sape at the tender age of five in 2020, Baptista has blossomed into a remarkable talent, adding contemporary sape to his growing skillset by the age of nine in 2024.
His journey has already been dotted with impressive milestones, from his captivating performance at the Borneo Craft Festival in 2024 to his recent triumph at the Malaysia Championships of Performing Arts (MCOPA) talent audition, where he clinched a silver medal on Feb 8, 2025 at Star on Stage here.
Hailing from Rumah Sekapan Piit in Belaga, Baptista, popularly known as Nuel@Levat, has a deep admiration for his father, Korintus Leban, who not only introduced him to the soulful sounds of sape but also continues to be one of its active and skilled makers.
Baptista credits much of his success to the guidance and passion instilled in him by his father.
The young sape prodigy is now thrilled by the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of “The Little Bornean Birdie,” young dancer Dion Das Louis, who captured the spotlight with a gold medal at WCOPA in 2024.
Baptista is determined to bring his own unique flair to Hollywood and make his mark at the international competition.
As Baptista prepares for his big moment, he is ready to showcase Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage and his incredible talent on one of the world’s most prestigious platforms.
WCOPA, often regarded as the Olympic Games of performing arts, will bring together over 70 countries in a celebration of creativity and artistic excellence from July 16 to 24 in Long Beach, California.
This is Baptista’s chance to shine alongside the world’s brightest stars and inspire aspiring performers across the globe.
Additionally, the Sekapan Belaga Association expressed pride in Baptista’s achievement and therefore supports his endeavors.
The association also called on sponsors to come forward and provide financial support for his participation in WCOPA.
