Sibu sape player Stanford Ryan Sidi wins gold at WCOPA 2024 in US

KUCHING (July 8): Sape player Stanford Ryan Sidi, a talented sape player from Sibu, has earned world recognition by winning a gold medal for his original masterpiece “Borneo Journey” at the grand final of the 27th World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in the USA.

Stanford, a 26-year-old Iban musician, stood out in the Original Work Music category under the Senior Division.

In addition to his gold medal, he secured silver medals in the Contemporary, Classical, and Open categories, as well as a bronze medal in the Jazz category.

“I was very happy to be chosen to represent Malaysia at WCOPA 2024. At the same time, I was very nervous because I was competing against 20 participants from 60 other countries in my category.” Stanford, who works as a technician, told The Borneo Post when contacted.

“The competition started with the preliminary rounds, and despite my nerves, I was surprised to qualify for the semifinals with eight other participants and later for the finals with five other participants.

“It was even more surprising to win a medal and be named the Division Winner for the Original Work category.” he added.

Stanford elaborated that he and several other participants were asked to create original compositions for the WCOPA 2024.

“It was quite challenging to create my own song, especially with the instrumental Sape.

“It took me two months to compose the piece for the Original Work category. I wasn’t alone in this; Ajis The Crew helped enhance the music,” he said.

Stanford expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts (MTCP) Sarawak for funding his participation in the USA.

“Without the funding, I wouldn’t have been able to go to the WCOPA.

“I also thank the Persatuan Anak Seni Sape Kuching (Pusak) for their significant assistance in all the arrangements for my participation in WCOPA 2024,” he added.