KUCHING: The encouraging response to a sape workshop has led many to sign up to learn the traditional Orang Ulu musical instrument.
The three-day workshop was among the activities during the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) that ended last weekend at the Sarawak Cultural Village here.
Held over several sessions from morning to evening, the lessons were conducted by the Kuching Sape Arts Collective team.
The participants were from all walks of life, including young children and senior citizens.
“RWMF does really help introduce sape to the world. Through this platform, we can highlight many things about the sape — not only about music, but also about culture,” explained Elizabeth Bungan, one of the tutors.
Overwhelmed by the participants’ enthusiasm, she added that this initiative was one of the best ways to spread awareness on the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
“We hope the workshop can help create and develop interest among our local young generation and hope that our people will realise that it is important to preserve our heritage.”
Meanwhile, Justine Jarop, another of the tutors, expressed his concern on the lack of sape knowledge among locals.
He said despite various promotions, many locals still know next to nothing about the sape.
“Most foreigners have heard the sounds of the sape but they don’t know what it is.
“Many locals have never seen and heard of the sape,” he claimed, referring to Sarawakians.
On another note, Justine said the group had engaged with event space coordinators to conduct talks and workshop programmes.
“We have been invited by Narawi Rashidi to conduct this workshop every year during the RWMF.
“But I don’t think this is enough to elevate sape as one of our cultural products,” he commented, hinting the need of collaborative efforts with corporations in providing platforms and spaces.
“We hope that our efforts would grab the attention of corporate organisations and encourage them to get involved in developing our arts and culture. Sape is more than just about music. It is about our social history too. It blends with our everyday life,” he said.
