#SHOWBIZ: 'Sape queen' Alena Murang brings Borneo's sacred sound to the world [WATCH]

Alena Murang, a 37-year-old musician of Kelabit, British and Italian descent from Kuching, has become a prominent advocate for traditional Bornean music. Known as the "Sape queen," she specializes in the Borneo-style lute, the sape. Alena began her musical journey at age eight, playing the guitar before transitioning to the sape two years later.

Although the sape shares similarities with the guitar, its gentler picking technique requires specific skill. Alena emphasizes that young people in Borneo are increasingly discovering the instrument's potential. She feels proud to be one of the first Sarawakian women to break gender taboos in traditional music. Alena possesses eight sapes, following the traditional playing style taught by tribal elders.

Her performances attract diverse audiences abroad who seek to learn more about the sape's background. With a degree in management from the University of Manchester, Alena has gained international recognition, including winning Best Music Video at the Buenos Aires Music Video Festival in 2021. She dreams of collaborating with Norwegian singer Aurora Aksnes and Orang Asli musicians, as well as incorporating Malay songs into her repertoire.