MIRI: Florence Devong Terence, 21, carries a musical legacy in her heart, one that resonates with the soulful strings of the Sape. It’s not just an instrument to her; it’s a treasured heirloom of the Kayan community and a bridge to her cherished childhood memories.
As a young girl, Florence’s eyes would light up watching her grandfather, 69-year-old Emang Wan Laing, gracefully play the Sape.
“When I was a toddler, I used to see my grandfather playing the Sape, and that intrigued me,” she reminisced during an interview with New Sarawak Tribune at the Baram Regatta 2023 in Marudi recently.
During the event, Florence was seen helping her grandparents at their stall. They were selling the traditional Sape and other items at the bazaar.
“The Sape is the pride of the Orang Ulu. With that in mind, I have always wanted to learn to play it,” she said.
With pride in her voice, she continued, “Grandpa doesn’t just play the Sape; he breathes life into it. Every instrument he crafts carries a piece of our history and soul.”
Those interested in owning a piece of this legacy can find Sapes priced between RM700 to RM1,500.
Beyond her dedication to the Sape, Florence stands as a shining example of modern aspirations, melding tradition with education. She’s pursuing Bio Industry Science at Universiti Pertanian Malaysia (UPM) and actively contributes to the Sape Movement, ensuring the instrument’s melodies continue to enchant future generations.
