More Than Music: Sugandoi Keeps Sabah’s Native Languages Alive

KOTA KINABALU, May 17 (Bernama) -- To some people outside Sabah, Sugandoi may appear to be just another singing competition held during festive seasons, but in reality, it is a vital force that revives native languages that are gradually being forgotten. 

Local singer and composer Anna Stanislaus, 37, who frequently serves as a judge in local Sugandoi competitions, said the uniqueness of the event lies in its ability to educate participants to speak and sing in their mother tongues. 

“Unlike other singing competitions, Sugandoi places greater emphasis on Sabah’s local songs. We focus on languages, especially Kadazan, Dusun and Murut. 

“As many youths today are no longer fluent in their native languages, this competition compels them to learn proper pronunciation and understand what they are singing,” she told Bernama. 

Originating from sacred songs performed by ‘bobohizan’, or traditional spiritual practitioners, to honour the spirit of sustenance, Sugandoi has evolved into a prestigious singing platform conducted in native languages as part of the Kaamatan festival celebrations. 

The Kaamatan festival, celebrated throughout May each year, with its peak on May 30 and 31, is a traditional festival in Sabah held to express gratitude for the harvest and symbolises community unity. 

Sabah is home to 33 indigenous ethnic groups who communicate in more than 50 languages and 80 ethnic dialects, with major groups including the Kadazan-Dusun, Bajau, Murut and Rungus. 

Anna said a heartfelt rendition of the song carries significant weight in judging, and without a deep understanding of the lyrics, participants would not be able to convey the soul of the song effectively. 

The Penampang native, who once topped the Kadazan Sabah VFM music charts, added that the competition’s wide range of categories also makes it a cross-generational platform for language learning. 

The categories, such as Open (ages 13 to 59), Dazanak (children aged 12 and below) and Songkotoun (veterans aged 60 and above), reflect the community’s enduring love for its culture across all generations. 

Anna’s view is shared by Putatan district-level Sugandoi champion Beverly Angel Boris, 25, who sees the event as a platform for sustaining her ethnic identity. 

The Kadazan native said Sugandoi provides opportunities for young participants like herself to explore and express cultural storytelling through various local song genres. 

During the district-level competition, she impressed the judges with her moving rendition of the song ‘Vaza Piupusan’, which means ‘memories’. 

“Sugandoi allows us to express our culture. For me, it is not just about winning, but about how we, the younger generation, bring our language and stories back onto the stage,” she said. 

Beverly added that the true value of the competition lies not merely in entertainment but in its ability to ensure the native languages remain heard and close to the hearts of the younger generation. 

Having started singing at the age of five, she said her dream of reaching the grand finals at Hongkod Koisaan has spurred her to compete in the prestigious event. 

Representing Putatan, Beverly will carry her district’s challenge as she competes against other champions at the state-level finals during the culmination of the Kaamatan festival at the end of this month. 

-- BERNAMA