KUCHING: The Sarawak Government has expressed strong support for the inaugural Bidayuh Cultural and Musical Festival 2025, describing it as a significant platform for preserving and elevating the traditional arts and music of the Bidayuh community.
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, said the festival reflects the state’s commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage while nurturing emerging artistic talent.
“The Sarawak Government is honoured to support the Bidayuh Cultural and Musical Festival 2025, a first-of-its-kind event dedicated to uplifting Bidayuh traditional culture and music,” he said during a press conference here today.
The festival, scheduled from December 12 to 14, 2025, at the DBNA Headquarters’ Multipurpose Hall and Baruk, is jointly organised by the Bidayuh Artistes and Musicians Association (BAMA) and the DBNA Youth Development Subcommittee, with support from the Sarawak Heritage and Arts Facilitation Fund.
Snowdan noted that one of the festival’s core objectives is to spark greater interest among youth in traditional Bidayuh musical instruments.
“Today, we see many traditional dance performances accompanied by ‘minus one’ tracks. Our dancers are talented, but the number of traditional Bidayuh musicians is declining,” he said.
“This festival is an important platform to ensure our traditional music continues to live and be inherited by future generations. All festival performances must feature live music.”
The three-day programme will showcase a wide range of activities.
The opening night on December 12 features ‘Night of The Bidayuh Stars’, with performances by veteran and popular artistes, including Richmond Allan Morshidi, Darren Wooden Gun, Michael Gayut, Hi Breed, Ranee Pat, Ezra Band, Collin and The Gang, and 4 Mors.
Activities on December 13 include the preliminary round of ‘Battle of The Bidayuh Band’, a traditional craft clinic on weaving, beadwork and Bidayuh attire, and two competitions, Onak Pogan (Handsome Boy) and Onak Sangon (Pretty Girl), specifically designed for children aged 6 to 12.
The day also includes the official opening ceremony and the Bidayuh Traditional Musical Instruments Competition.
The final day on December 14, will include a drum clinic by Gary Gideon, who played drums for Air Supply in Malaysia, a guitar clinic by Edrie Hashim, a member of Wings, and the grand finale of Battle of the Bidayuh Band.
Snowdan said the festival serves multiple purposes beyond cultural celebration.
“This festival not only showcases Bidayuh artistic talent but also supports talent development, heritage preservation and the growth of Sarawak’s creative industry,” he said.
“The state government remains committed to strengthening our cultural and artistic ecosystem so that it continues to flourish and stay relevant.”
