International award winning sape' player Alena Murang performs on home ground bringing her second album Sky Songs to life on Malaysian soil for the very first time
By SHAFIQUE DANIAL JOHARI
When we speak of the Sape’, the traditional musical instrument and pride of Borneo, we often hear men becoming the talented musicians behind this classical instrument. However, in the past decade or so, more and more women are rising to the occasion to become professional sape’ players. Currently stealing the attention, is none other than award winning musical songstress Alena Murang. In 2021, Murang released her second album titled Sky Songs and recently for the very first time, Murang showcased her second album live in Kuala Lumpur at the Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre.
Unique to the album’s namesake “Sky Songs”, Murang says each song in the album is inspired by elements of the sky. “I’ve always been in awe at the expanse of the sky. How big it is, and how small each individual is in relation to it,” shares the talented 34-year-old sape’ player. “The album cover also features a “Ra’ong” or a sun hat. In the past, our ancestors said that the sky was like a big sun hat dome, and all earthly creations lay beneath it,” adds Murang to explain about her second album entitled Sky Songs. She also says that the songs are inspired by elements such as the sun, the stars, the moon, rain, thunder and many more.
Together in this album is the multiple award-winning song Warrior Spirit which has bagged awards at the UK International Music Video Awards, Los Angeles Film Awards, Rome International Film Award and the New York International Film Awards amongst others. This song has also won other awards for the Best World Music Video, Best Asia & Pacific Music Video, Best Ethnographic Film and a many more.
Another hit in the album is Gitu’an. Murang says that the song is a response to the stories of their Great Ancestors. “We wanted listeners to feel like they were travelling through the stars with our ancestors and the song opens with the voice of our late elder Tepu Ngalinuh Karuh, who was one of our greatest storytellers.” Murang is also very proud of her Borneo roots. “We have such a rich culture. Personally, our heritage keeps me grounded to the natural environment and reminds me of the community values of togetherness,” adds a very passionate and patriotic Murang.
Being awarded multiple international awards and representing her community at a global level far-far away from home, one must wonder if Murang considers herself as an ambassador to her tribe and language but the humble Murang rejects the idea. “I’m far from fluent in Kelabit or Kenyah, but I learn the language from song. I’d write lyrics in Kelabit then work with my dad and aunties to refine the lyrics,”. Murang says whenever she performs these songs, more and more people hear them, and that keeps the language alive. “I hope this will be able to encourage others to learn their mother tongues as well,” she adds.
BASKL was also intrigued to ask Murang what does it feel like playing the sape’ and what emotions she got while playing this unique piece of instrument. She says it’s hard to put it into words but Murang says it’s just calming and meditative. “If you’ve ever felt so calm and meditative whilst listening to sape’ music, as a sape’ player we feel that ten times more. It’s a very relaxing instrument. I’d say anytime you feel like listening to lo-fi music, try listening to sape’ music instead.
Hence, BASKL has taken the honours of including Alena Murang’s second album Sky Songs here for you to check out. So, sit back, relax and indulge in some peaceful meditative songs created by our very own international award-winning sape’ player Alena Murang. Check out Alena Murang on her official website to purchase the album and other official merchandise or you can also follow her on her offical Facebook and Instagram accounts.
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