KUCHING: A song celebrating the Kelabit community’s oral traditions has earned Sarawakian musician, Alena Murang, a silver award at the Global Music Awards.
She shared the news on Instagram, describing the recognition as a significant achievement for ‘Sekunuh Kamih’, her latest original composition inspired by the stories and traditions of the Kelabit people.
‘Sekunuh Kamih’, which means ‘Our Stories’ in the Kelabit language, reflects the community’s long-standing tradition of passing down history and knowledge through oral storytelling, songs and gatherings around the fireplace.
“As the tribe experienced many transitions throughout recent decades, stories were told less and less, and today they are remembered by only a handful of elders.
“The track opens with the voice of my father, recorded in the 1980s. He asks his uncle, ‘Who told this story?’ and he replies, ‘The elders did, a long time ago’.
“This song also features the voice of my grand-aunty reciting an old epic story of two warriors, as the song calls on people to remember the stories of their ancestors,” she wrote.
Alena said traditional instruments featured in the recording include the sape’, jaw harp and cultural drums.
She wrote and composed the song, while Melina William served as producer and arranger.
Alena also thanked listeners for supporting and streaming the song.
