KUCHING: The first Sape Camp 2023, organised by Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak (YPS), has received significant interest from 15 talented young individuals from different regions of Malaysia.
The camp, scheduled to take place from June 19 to 22, aims to unite these aspiring musicians through their shared passion for Sape music.
YPS expressed their delight in the overwhelming response to the programme in a statement yesterday.
The selected participants consist of a diverse mix of races, including three individuals from Malaya, two from Sabah, whille the rest are from various locations within Sarawak.
“Representing different ethnic backgrounds such as Indian, Chinese, Kadazandusun, Rungus, Orang Asli, Iban, Bidayuh, Punan, Kenyah, Malay, and Melanau, these young musicians will come together under the common banner of Sape.”
The four-day camp will be facilitated by local professional musicians, including renowned Sape players such as Matthew Ngau Jau, Narawi Rashidi, Jerry Kamit, and Dr Connie Lim Keh Nie from UNIMAS
“These experts will share their extensive knowledge and experiences related to the Sape as a musical instrument, including its origin and its global musical journey.”
The camp aims to provide participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in Sape music.
They will have the opportunity to learn song composition and perform in front of the public.
Additionally, participants will visit the Lan E Tuyang Homestay Sape workshop in Bau to witness a Sape-making demonstration.
The camp will culminate with a closing ceremony and the presentation of “Sape Ambassadors” certificates on June 22.
In the evening, participants will showcase their newly acquired skills by performing in their native costumes at the Godown Amphitheatre located at the Kuching Waterfront.
The event will also feature performances by the Perintis Orkestra Tradisi Remaja Sarawak and the award-winning Sape group, Tuku’ Kame’. The mini-concert is open to the public
