AIM25: The creator of history, first winner of the Best Borneo Song

KUCHING, Sept 27: Sri Aman-born young singer Gibrael Mawat or his real name Clement Saran, 24, made history when he was crowned the first winner of the Borneo Song Award for Best Song at the 25th Music Industry Awards (AIM25).

He won the award for his song Dayang Bintang, composed and lyrics by Maxwel Franklin Saran, which was published under MVM Music and Assapai Music Production.

The new category was introduced at AIM25 as recognition of music works from Borneo, thus opening the space for more local works to be highlighted in the country music industry.

The awards were presented by the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Abang Haji Openg, on the eve of the AIM25 summit.

Commenting on the success, Mawat said he did not expect the Best Song category to be introduced in this edition, let alone when Dayang Bintang was chosen as the first winner.

He hoped that the recognition would increase confidence of Sarawakans in the ability of locals to go further through their own musical works.

"I hope this victory will open the eyes of the people of Sarawak that we can go further through our own work, whether traditional or modern.

"The important thing is, let's continue to make that dream come true", he said at the AIM25 press conference here today.

Mawat also described the victory as a tribute to the people of Sarawak who have always supported his artistic journey.

Commenting on the subsequent planning, he said, some new works are being focused with the possibility of exploring a combination of modern and traditional musical elements.

According to him, the direction of work for next year is likely to emphasize traditional music or a combination of both elements.

"For next year, the development may be towards traditional works or a combination of both", he said.

The win made Dayang Bintang the first work to receive the AIM25 Best Borneo Song Award, as well as marking an important achievement for Mawat and the development of Borneo's music.