KUCHING: Warisan Sape Telang Usan’s acclaimed performances of traditional lute or sape melodies have been recorded for limited non-commercial release in CD (compact disc) form.
The CD sponsored by Sarawak Energy Group as part its collaboration with the Baram communities is meant to preserve their musical heritage.
The CD was launched at Menara Sarawak Energy recently by the Group’s executive vice president for corporate services, Aisah Eden.
“The production of the sape CD builds on our CSR and sustainability efforts, pairing development with communities at its heart which we want to preserve and at the same time promote Sarawak’s unique culture and heritage,” Aisah said.
Featuring 11 songs, the CD was recorded at Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) Miri in November, 2018.
The first batch of 150 CDs will be distributed by Sarawak Energy as corporate gifts pending approval from the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) for commercial release of the CDs.
A sape troupe also performed at the launch and was joined by internationally acclaimed musician Matthew Ngau and Miss Malaysia World 2018 Larissa Ping.
“The troupe was the first batch to have graduated from the Sarawak Energy-sponsored training programme launched in 2016,” she said.
Following the completion of the 18-month programme, the troupe had performed at various cultural events including at the Rainforest World Music Festival 2017 and 2018.
Warisan Sape Telang Usan also succeeded in its bid to enter the Malaysia Book of Records for the longest non-stop sape performance of 50 hours, together with sape players from Baram and Belaga.
The programme was organised in partnership with Long San in Baram and supported by two schools in the area-SMK Dato Temenggong Lawai Jau and SK St Pius.
Sarawak Energy will be working with the communities to recruit the second batch of Warisan Sape Telang Usan this July.
Aisah was joined by the Group’s Chief Operating Officer Lu Yew, Vice-President for Internal Audit Rafiuddin Yeo Bin Abdullah, General Manager for CSR and Sustainability Jiwari Abdullah, Manager for Community Relations Augustine Supen Taja, Long San community leader Lucia Paya, village headman Mattius Erang and residents of Telang Usan.
