BETONG: Twelve finalists will vie for a total prize pool of RM56,000 at the ninth ‘Anugerah Carta Sapa Juara’ (ACSJ) 2026 finals here on October 3.
The finals, to be held at Dewan Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan, will feature 10 solo contestants – Ramles Walter, Donny Lang, Dara Hellena, Winnie Albert, Watt Rock, Eyqa Saiful, Phoebe Chloe, Mawat, Dayana Shini and Joannes Johnny Aman.
They will be joined by two groups, Masterpiece and Tanah Berenyang Band.
Betong District Officer, Laga Kueh, said ACSJ serves as a platform to showcase the talents of singers, composers and lyricists while helping to elevate the Dayak music industry, particularly Iban songs.
“The objective of ACSJ is to highlight the involvement of singers, composers and lyricists so that it can become a benchmark in elevating the Dayak music industry, particularly Iban songs,” he said.
He was speaking at a press conference after attending the coordinating meeting for the ACSJ 2026 working committee at the Betong Resident’s Office on Wednesday (Aug. 26) as reported by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS).
Laga said the competition also provides opportunities for music industry players to showcase their talents, produce more works, and generate income through their craft.
This year’s ACSJ is a musical collaboration between WAIfm RTM Sarawak and government agencies in Betong Division.
Seven categories will be contested, including a new category for the ‘Most Popular ACSJ Song’.
Laga added that hosting the event in Betong was also expected to benefit the local economy through the influx of visitors and sales activities held in conjunction with the programme.
Meanwhile, WAIfm Iban’s Manager, Monica Midi, said the ninth edition would feature a special appearance by veteran artistes who are no longer active in the music scene.
She said the official WAIfm Iban broadcast of the programme is expected to garner more than one million views from various districts and locations.
The ACSJ finals will be officiated by Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
Members of the public are invited to attend the finals at Dewan Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan on October 3.
