Sep 3, 2011

The Sound of Sape





Sape is a traditional string instrument of the "Orang Ulu" ethnic group of Sarawak. It looks quite simple but produces a beautiful and complex music. We are watching Jerry Kamit playing the traditional song of the Orang Ulu with his sape. He is a well-known sape player who used to perform all over the world. During the Rainforest World Music Festival which is usually held in Kampung Budaya, Kuching, Jerry is among the world's artists performing a superb sape music. The Rainforest World Music Festival is such a dazzling event where artists from across the globe participate in it.


I like listening to this music because it reminds me of our diverse culture. In the state of Sarawak, there are more than 40 ethnic groups each with its own unique culture. Nature is so close to my heart and this music also reminds me of nature.  I am proud to be a Sarawakian staying in "The Land Of The Hornbill"  with the oldest rainforests in the world.



15 comments:

  1. I'm so love this! It's always amazing to learn living history and this is a coolest cool music!

    Thank you, BB!

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  2. Hi Omo! Thank you for loving it. This is among the traditional musical instruments here. As you can see it, it is made from a single bole of wood. Now, the music goes global now just heard in the longhouses of the Orang Ulu. I am happy I am able to share our culture. :)

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  3. Beautiful. The kind of music that relaxes the soul. Wish to have the chance to play the too..i can play a bit of Bandurria when I joined the Rondalla in Highschool..this post reminds me ;)
    Thanks Baker Bee!

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  4. It is beautiful seriously.This is the very first time i heard it.Thank you for sharing. :)

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  5. @Omo - Typo in my second last sentence : Now, the music goes global not just heard in the longhouses of the Orang Ulu.

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  6. Every music has its own beauty!

    i was unaware of such a beautiful music type. Thanks a lot for sharing friend!


    I dont have a very good knowledge about music types. Being an indian, there are few indian music forms, which i always listen.my choices are confined only within tabla, Sitar and Harmonium. I hardly expand my interests towards any other type. But this music is worth to be known. Thanks again for sharing.

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  7. @Beanie _ Thank you so much. Glad that the sweet memory of of playing Bandurria comes back to you. Were you munching chocos as well?? :))

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  8. @Sunakshi - You're welcome! Thank you so much for taking your time to listen to it. It's a beautiful music indeed. :)

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  9. @Aakriti - You're right, my friend. I'm a music lover and love listening to all kinds of music. Indian music is also nice. Your country is also rich in culture. I love listening to Hindi songs in Bollywood movies. :)

    Thank you so much, Aakriti. :)

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  10. hi balqis, this is such a beautiful piece of music and frankly, i have not heard of sape before, though i have great interests in culture..
    also didn't realise that sarawak has 40 ethnic groups- that's a lot for malaysia huh.
    fantastic post, will want more of these hidden culture and talents :) and your poem to it

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  11. Wan, Sarawak is as big as Peninsular Malaysia. There are so many ethnic groups here. Thank you for your comments. :)

    P.S. Do you know from which ethnic I'm from? I did mention in my older post. :)

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  12. Hi Balqis, what beautiful music! Thank you for sharing your musical knowledge and video. Always lovely to learn something new. Take care!

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  13. Hi Ann! Thank you so much. Yes, learning something new broaden our knowledge. There are so many beautiful things to share in this world. :)

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  14. Hello Balqis..the music is so relaxing..I remember someone "quiet angel" hehehe..so inspiring to hear such a lovely sound Balqis..thank you for sharing something beyond your haikus hehehe..

    *hugs*

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  15. Yes, it is. I try to write something else besides Haiku. Thank you so much for your commenst.:)

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