SIBU: Recognition in the music industry should be earned by the strength of one’s work with musical quality remaining the benchmark of an artiste’s credibility and staying power.
In making this point, Sarawak Dayak Music Creators Association’s (SPDS) adviser, Malcolm Layang Jimbun, challenged local musicians to look beyond popularity and focus on producing works that command respect.
He said gaining public attention was only one aspect of building a career in music, stressing that recognition without substance would do little to establish an artiste’s standing in the industry.
“Do not just want to be known; we must earn respect. Popularity must come with quality. Quality is the most important thing,” he said when officiating at the SPDS’ Dinner Concert here yesterday.
Layang said SPDS had an important responsibility beyond organising performances, describing the association as a platform for bringing together music practitioners from across Sarawak to exchange experiences, showcase their abilities and establish meaningful industry connections.
He said concerts and similar initiatives should serve a broader purpose than providing established performers with a stage, particularly by creating opportunities for emerging talents to gain exposure and find their footing in the industry.
He also urged musicians to keep pace with technological advancements, particularly in songwriting, music production and the use of social media to promote their original works.
With digital platforms offering wider access to audiences regardless of geographical boundaries, he said musicians should be more confident in presenting their creations and making full use of available technology to expand their reach.
Layang cautioned artistes against allowing fear of failure or self-doubt to hold them back, emphasising that mistakes were part of the learning process and should not discourage creative exploration.
“Do not be afraid of making mistakes because that is how we learn. Never underestimate your own talent or that of others,” he said.
On the association’s future direction, he said SPDS should measure its success not merely by the number of programmes it organised, but by its ability to identify, nurture and provide meaningful opportunities for new talent.
He stressed that developing the next generation of musicians must become a priority, noting that the continuity of the association and the wider Dayak music industry depended on having capable successors ready to take over from the current generation.
He also encouraged SPDS to remain open to organising smaller-scale programmes, saying consistent commitment, proper planning and sustained efforts could eventually pave the way for larger initiatives.
As adviser, Layang pledged his continued support to the association, including contributing ideas, sharing experience and assisting in the planning of programmes aimed at strengthening its development.
He called on members to work collectively towards elevating the standing of Dayak music, emphasising that music should serve as a unifying force rather than a dividing line.
“Music knows no differences; instead, it brings us together. That is why we must remain strong as an association, support one another and give every talent the opportunity to grow,” he said.
The concert featured 11 artistes and musical groups, namely Josh JD, Nicholas, Gwen, Dara Helena, Select Band, Radak Nyawa, Lemambang Lemai, Majestica, The Crew, Ethnic Transmissions and Masterpiece.
Also present was SPDS’ President, Depha Masterpiece.
