KUCHING, Dec 3: Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has described the achievement of Sarawak’s renowned sape artiste Alena Murang and her team for the ‘Midang Midang’ music video as astounding as it showcased Sarawak’s identity and culture in a fashionable way to the global stage.
Alena and team mates Sarah Lois and Gabriel Padan had won the “Best Styling” Award at the Buenos Aires Music Video Festival 2020 in Argentina which ended on Nov 29.
“It showcased the best of Sarawak’s unique cultural diversity and identity especially depicted in the spellbinding fashion styles, motifs and designs which are in a class of its own.
“It is truly an honour for all of us in Sarawak to have Alena as the Sape-playing artiste who had successfully conveyed the subtle messages of our unique culture, fashion and traditions in a beautiful music video that is really fantastic,” he said in a statement to congratulate the team today.
Abdul Karim, who is also the Minister of Youth and Sport, added that it was also heartening and proud to see Alena’s outfits and accessories featured in the award winning music video were the creations of local designers and traditional craft workers.
“As the Minister in charge of tourism, I am very pleased to note that the music video was shot in the Bario Highlands and the beautiful Tusau Beach in Miri which potentially can stir keen interest among viewers from other countries particularly to those who want to know
more about our tourism attractions,” he emphasised.
The music video was produced by film creative hub Project Room together with Alena’s Kanid Studio and was launched on Nov 27 last year with the support of Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and Miri City Council (MCC).
“Of course her (Alena) music video has the potential and power to showcase Sarawak’s culture on the global stage and we can consider supporting similar initiatives in the near future as they can do us a favour in carrying powerful messages to outsiders.
“Once again I congratulate Alena and her team for their international award and it is also an achievement for Sarawak after its unique cultural heritage and traditions getting the recognition via a wonderful music video which had garnered 40,000 views on Youtube,” he praised. -DayakDaily
