By Rozlin Rusharmeen Rosmin
KUCHING, Aug 25: Sarawakian musician Rining Peter Paris has followed up his Gawai Dayak song ‘Gung Guang’ with a new single, ‘Sigar Suba’, performed with his band Bata’ Uduh to promote the cultural heritage of the Lun Bawang community.
Officially released on July 1, the world music fusion single features the Tapi’, a traditional two-string plucked instrument regarded as an important part of Lun Bawang heritage, together with other traditional instruments such as the Pek Bu, Ruding and xylophone.
Unlike his earlier songs, which often featured themes of feminine beauty and nature, such as ‘Busak Baku’ and ‘Busak Elai’, Rining, 53, said ‘Sigar Suba’ was specifically written to honour the men of the Lun Bawang community.
“Most of the songs I came across focused on feminine themes, such as the beauty of beaded necklaces. I therefore felt there was a need for a song that represented the identity of Lun Bawang men.
“I created ‘Sigar Suba’ with my band, Bata’ Uduh. ‘Sigar’ refers to a traditional head covering, while ‘suba’ means red. The term describes a distinctive red headpiece that Lun Bawang men wear for celebrations, including the Irau Aco festival,” he told Bernama recently.
According to Rining, the lyrics, which are entirely in the Lun Bawang language, provide a detailed account of traditional male attire, including the kuyu talun, or bark shirt, pelepet, a traditional machete, and distinctive tusk ornaments.
“The key message is for younger generations, especially Lun Bawang men, to remember and uphold their identity and heritage,” he said.
Rining has devoted nearly 10 years to preserving and promoting the Tapi’. As an instrument maker himself, he has also blended modern genres such as reggae and fusion into Bata’ Uduh’s music to keep its traditional sound relevant to younger audiences.
He has so far made and sold 66 handmade Tapi’ instruments locally and overseas, including to buyers in Australia, the United States and Canada, while Malaysian experimental musician Belle Sisoski is also among those interested in the instrument.
“I hope ‘Sigar Suba’ will one day be sung by young Lun Bawang people, and my goal is to pursue Tapi’ making and music composition full-time by 2028,” he said.
‘Sigar Suba’ is now available on major music streaming platforms.
— BERNAMA