Alena Murang's latest single released in connection with World Biodiversity Day
KUCHING (May 19): Alena Murang has released her new single, 'Jaga Alam', in connection with World Biodiversity Day and also the upcoming Gawai Dayak festivities.
The musician and cultural guardian, in a statement yesterday, hailed the number as 'a heartfelt call to protect the Earth's forests, and all forms of life calling it home'.
The single 'Jaga Alam', which means 'taking care of nature' in Bahasa Malaysia, is sung in the national language, but there is a special line among the verses that is sung in Alena's native Kelabit language.
'Through my music, I invite the listeners to remember the wisdom passed down by the indigenous communities, that is to live in a balance with the land.
'In my Kelabit culture, nature is not something separate from us – it is a part of who we are.
'Caring for the land is also a central part of Gawai celebration, which is to give thanks for the rice harvest.
'This song is a gentle reminder that nature will always take care of us, if we take care of it,' said the artiste, also a sape' player.
Adding on, Alena also described the new song as 'a blend of the meditative tones of the sape' with simple yet powerful lyrics, echoing a message of respect and responsibility towards nature'.
'With this release, I hope to contribute not only through music, but also by raising awareness of indigenous perspectives on conservation and their love for the land.'
As one of the few female sape' players in the world and a voice for her community, Alena continues to use music as a bridge between worlds – past and present, nature and people, as well as tradition and change.
'The World Biodiversity Day, celebrated on May 22 each year, is a global reminder of how connected we are to the natural world, whilst Gawai is a day to be grateful for the food that nature gives us,' she added.
The music video can be viewed on YouTube, and the audio is available on Spotify and Apple Music.
Alena and Joshua Maran are credited as the songwriters, with the lyrics written by Alena. Alena Murang entertainment Gawai Dayak lead local artistes
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