KUCHING: The Anugerah Seni Budaya Sarawak (ASBS) 2023 ceremony was a night to remember, as veteran singer Andrewson Ngalai received the esteemed Tokoh Perpaduan Seni Budaya Special Award.
The award recognises Penghulu Ngalai’s exceptional contribution and achievements in the field of arts and culture, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career.
He received the prestigious award in recognition of his iconic song, ‘Biar Bekikis Bulu Betis’, a composition that has not only elevated Sarawak’s cultural prominence but also resonated with audiences in Malaya and Sabah.
The song has transcended geographical boundaries, and various local artists have proudly performed it internationally.
What sets ‘Biar Bekikis Bulu Betis’ apart is its unique ability to unify Malaysians, regardless of race, ethnicity or religion.
The song has become an anthem for national unity, fostering a sense of togetherness.
During a brief interview at the ASBS 2023 event, Ngalai expressed his elation saying, “I am very happy that the song I created, ‘Berkikis Bulu Betis,’ has received such a meaningful award for me.”
Ngalai, a stalwart in the industry since the 1970s who continued to record music until 2015, gracefully accepted the well-deserved recognition.
He recognised the evolving reception of his iconic song over the years, stressing that the way people embraced the song had significantly changed from the past to the present.
“I never expected that this song would be recognised exceptionally, even at the international level,” he added.
He said a particularly remarkable moment was when Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah serenaded the crowd with ‘Biar Bekikis Bulu Betis’, among other local tunes, during his historic visit to Rumah Raymond Plen.
The visit marked the first-ever royal visit to a longhouse in Sarawak and was part of the ‘Kembara Kenali Borneo’ expedition on Sept 11.
He also extended his gratitude to the Department of Culture and Arts, Sarawak (JKKN Sarawak) for organising the award ceremony and expressed his hope that the programme would continue in the coming years.
The recognition bestowed upon him, along with the profound impact of his song, highlights the influential role of music in promoting unity and transcending cultural boundaries.
It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of artists like Ngalai, who continually enrich Malaysia’s cultural fabric with their timeless masterpieces.
