Ferderick Maldini named Sape’ Junior champion

KUCHING: Kuching’s Ferderick Maldini emerged champion in the inaugural Sape’ Junior Competition, taking home the grand prize of RM10,000 as well as a trophy.
 
Coming in second place was Aeron Junior Ibas of Miri, who received a cash prize of RM7,000 and a trophy, while Ernest Vaneman Amut Leonard, also of Miri, came in third place and took home a cash prize of RM5,000 as well as a trophy.
 
Additionally, Martinus Njok Sebi of Kuching was recognised for his exceptional performance and was awarded the Best Performance title, along with a cash prize of RM2,000 and a trophy.
 
Three consolation prizes of RM3,000 and a trophy each were also given to Darren Mengga Larry Mengga of Kuching, Stanford Rayan Sidi of Sibu, and Martinus Njok Sebi of Kuching for their commendable performances.
 
For the record, six participants, who are all under 25 years old, have made it to the final stage of the 2023 Sape’ Junior Competition after successfully qualifying for the top six spots.
 
The competition, organised by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) Sarawak and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) and the Persatuan Anak Seni Sape’ Kuching (PUSAK), aimed to showcase the talents of young sape’ players in the state and cultivate new talents in the local music industry.
 
The participants were evaluated by a panel of professional sape’ players and musicians based on their skills and proficiency in playing the traditional musical instrument.
 
At the event, Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts I (Tourism) Deputy Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, representing the MTCP minister, was present as the guest of honour.
 
The 2023 Sape’ Junior Competition was a successful platform for young sape’ players to showcase their skills and promote the traditional music of Sarawak to a wider audience.