MUKAH: The closing night of Kaul Mukah 2025 struck more than just musical notes; it struck a chord of unity that echoed far beyond the Tapak Kaul grounds.
At the heart of the vibrant ‘Konsert Malam Perpaduan’, organised by Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak (YPS), was a powerful message: unity through diversity.
Themed ‘Rhythm of Unity’, the cultural showcase brought together performers of various ethnic backgrounds in a harmonious celebration of Malaysia’s multicultural identity.
The concert drew over 800 people, and showcased a remarkable blend of traditional and contemporary performances.
But what set this year’s edition apart was its bold embrace of intercultural collaboration, particularly through the YPS Sape Ambassadors, a multicultural ensemble featuring talents from Sarawak, Peninsular Malaysia, and among them, an Orang Asli from Perak and an Indian performer from Selangor.
YPS Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Aloysius J. Dris, said their on-stage synergy, fusing the indigenous sape with diverse musical styles and languages, embodied what the event stood for: that differences can be a strength, and cultural exchange a unifying force.
“This concert has truly become a bridge, connecting people across race, region and rhythm.
“Kaul is not just a Melanau festival, it is Sarawak’s invitation to Malaysia, to come together and celebrate our roots,” he said.
Federal Economy Deputy Minister cum Mukah Member of Parliament, Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib, together with Tellian assemblyman, Royston Valentine, joined other dignitaries in commending the youth-driven cultural fusion.
Royston highlighted the role of local talent and teamwork in staging the concert, calling it a testament to the power of unity in execution and spirit.
The performances ranged from traditional sape music to multilingual vocal numbers, such as ‘Bunga Kantat dan Nanai Bengsat’ and ‘Chamkeela Angeelesi’, capturing the essence of Malaysia’s linguistic and cultural diversity.
For participants like Dexter Godwin, an Iban sape player, the event was more than a stage.
“It’s about building confidence and relationships and we learn not just to play music, but to connect across cultures,” he said.
That sentiment was echoed by Mazira Ramli, secretary of both Persatuan Melanau Mukah and the Kaul 2025 organising committee, who said that the concert sowed seeds of understanding, tolerance and compassion.
“The turnout speaks volumes – people are hungry for unity-driven platforms,” she said.
Beyond Mukah, the concert’s impact rippled online.
Live-streamed on YPS’ Facebook page, the event reached nearly 11,000 users and drew over 14,000 views, amplifying its message of unity to a digital audience.
Also lighting up the night were electrifying sets by WCOPA gold medallist, Stanford Ryan, and an interactive dance segment led by the dynamic D’Tari troupe from Sibu, which had the audience joining in a spirited ‘mengarang’ session.
As the final applause faded into the Mukah night, what remained was more than the memory of music- it was a reaffirmation that in Sarawak, and in Malaysia, unity is not just an aspiration; it is a living rhythm, shared and celebrated.
