Sape Duo competition highlights Orang Ulu heritage, boosts cultural preservation efforts

A sape performance during the Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak Celebration 2026 at the Gawai Dayak Bazaar and Ethnoculture Festival in Permyjaya, Miri on May 6, 2026. Photo credit: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

MIRI, May 7: The Sape Duo competition has placed the spotlight on Orang Ulu heritage, reflecting ongoing efforts to preserve the traditional sape as a living cultural symbol.

Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau said the competition serves as an important platform to safeguard and elevate Orang Ulu cultural heritage for present and future generations.

“For the Orang Ulu community, the sape is the voice of our ancestors. Its gentle yet meaningful melodies reflect a heritage of great depth, passed down from generation to generation.

“As long as the sape continues to be played, our cultural spirit will remain alive and gain recognition on the global stage,” he said when officiating the competition at the Gawai Dayak Bazaar and Ethnoculture Festival site in Permyjaya yesterday (May 6), as reported by TVS News.

Dennis (fourth left) and others when officiating the Sape Duo Competition at the Gawai Dayak Bazaar and Ethnoculture Festival site in Permyjaya, Miri on May 6, 2026. Photo credit: Ukas

He noted that the Sarawak government under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg remains committed to advancing development while preserving cultural identity.

He emphasised that various initiatives, including funding support, assistance to arts associations, and cultural development programmes, continue to be strengthened to safeguard heritage arts such as the sape.

“In a world moving towards modernisation, we in Sarawak have never forgotten our customs and culture. The government continues to provide guidance, manpower and financial allocations to ensure our cultural heritage is preserved,” he said.

Dennis also called on the younger generation not to let the sape fade into history, but to actively learn and uphold its cultural significance.

“Do not just be spectators of your own culture, but become its heirs, protectors and champions,” he said.

He further urged relevant authorities and agencies to organise more sape competitions and workshops to provide youths with greater opportunities to showcase their talent and deepen their appreciation of the instrument. — DayakDaily