KUCHING: Sabah rock band Renewar returned to the REDEEMS Battle of the Band with unfinished business and emerged as champions, taking home the RM10,000 top prize at the competition held in conjunction with the 18th Gawai Carnival REDEEMS 2026 on Saturday (July 18).
The result completed a remarkable comeback for the Sabah band, which finished third last year.
Renewar, along with Silent Killer and Excrozim, were among the returning bands this year. Silent Killer finished as first runner-up, while Excrozim claimed second runner-up.
Six finalists took to the stage after advancing from a field of eight competing bands, drawing enthusiastic support from families, friends and music lovers who packed the REDEEMS Centre for an evening of live performances.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, representing Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, joined the audience before presenting prizes to the winning bands.
For many in attendance, the Battle of the Band brought a fresh energy to the annual Gawai celebration, blending contemporary rock music with the carnival’s broader celebration of Bidayuh culture and community.
The competition ended on a high note as the winning bands celebrated on stage, with organisers and fans already looking ahead to next year’s edition.
