LIFESTYLE

Munirih Elevates Sape Music To The Global Stage

17/01/2025 11:14 AM

By Norhidayyu Zainal

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 17 (Bernama) – Munirih Jebeni’s journey with the sape began through her studies in dance at the National Academy of Arts, Culture, and Heritage (Aswara), where she discovered a profound love for the traditional instrument that ultimately reshaped her life.

Now a professional sape player who brings this traditional musical instrument from the Land of the Hornbills to the global stage, Munirih, 38, said her love for the sape blossomed during her final-year project while completing her bachelor's degree in dance in 2012.

“For my project, I chose to present four traditional dances from Sarawak’s culture, one of which was the Orang Ulu dance that features the sape as its musical accompaniment.

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“Each night, I would immerse myself in the sape's melodies, striving to deeply understand and master them before translating them into my dance," she told Bernama recently.

Captivated by the enchanting melodies produced by the guitar-like instrument, Munirih decided to delve deeper into mastering it under the guidance of Leslie Eli, the only sape player at Istana Budaya.

Munirih said her passion for the sape was fuelled by both curiosity and a desire to challenge herself  by mastering another art form.

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“The sape is more than just a musical instrument; it carries significant historical value. In the past, it was an integral part of ritual ceremonies and healing practices, cherished for its mesmerising sounds and distinctive character.

“Learning traditional Orang Ulu songs is particularly challenging because their melodies are often quite similar, demanding a high level of focus and attention,” she explained.

To date, Munirih, the founder of the Anak Temuai Borneo Fusion Band, has showcased her talent at numerous local and international events, including in Southeast Asia, Australia, and Zimbabwe. She also earned the Best Folklore Performance award at the World Travel Fair 2016 in Seoul, South Korea.

Most recently, she is scheduled to perform the sape, accompanying dancers from the Mupun Ta'uh group, as part of the Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025 programme at KLCC on Feb 8.

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“I hope more young people will learn and appreciate the sape, not just by playing it but by truly mastering its unique characteristics,” said Munirih, who also founded Talent Fluent Enterprise to promote Sarawak’s culture through music, dance, and other performances.

In another development, Munirih expressed her gratitude for the positive reception towards her debut song, Panchar Senaya, which means ‘reflection’ or ‘echo.’ The song has struck a chord with listeners since its release last November.

The Kuching-born artiste shared that the song, produced by Ude Sitar and dedicated to her two children, Evan Kai and Eden Kai, was created after she endured a difficult period in her life.

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"Every comment I’ve received mentions how the song reminds them of family love, giving them strength.

“This is my way of expressing feelings and inspiring my children, through music. As I grow older, many thoughts occupy my mind. I’m not afraid of death, but I fear not creating enough memories with my children," she shared.

The music video for Panchar Senaya features her husband, Fredolin Anson, their two sons, and renowned flutist Mohar Mohram.

-- BERNAMA

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