Sabahan spirit shines at Kaamatan celebration in UK
KOTA KINABALU (July 9): Sabahan Abroad UK (SAUK) brought the vibrant spirit of Sabah to Old Basing Hall, Basingstoke as around 200 attendees from the UK, Norway, France, Germany, Switzerland and Sabah gathered to celebrate Kaamatan, with the theme 'Kaamatan for Everyone' or 'Kaamatan Montok Toinsanan' recently.
This cultural showcase brought together communities through food, music and shared heritage.
Daytime activities included traditional games like arm wrestling, while the evening opened with Momokis by Jennifer Lasimbang, magagung and sumazau performances led by Jessie Robert and Hayden Hansanon. The emotional highlight was a dramatic retelling of the Huminodun legend by Savillah Angell, followed by a moving Magavau chant from Olga George Kiloh that brought many to tears.
'The event was very well organised. I'm so happy to see the younger generation performing sumazau and singing in Kadazandusun. Aramaitii betul – it felt like Sabah in the UK!' shared Christina Langgayang from Norway.
The community's generosity shone during the 'Buy My Voice' karaoke fundraiser, supporting students at Asrama Santa Maria Goretti in Keningau and the construction of St Mary Perpetual Help Chapel in Tambunan, strengthening ties with their Sabahan homeland.
The evening's highlight was the Unduk Ngadau pageant, where five contestants dazzled in traditional attire. Mia Ming-Steel from Papar/London was crowned 'Sauk Kaamatan 2025 Unduk Ngadau' for her cultural pride and eloquence.
No Kaamatan celebration is complete without food, and guests enjoyed authentic Sabahan dishes like bambangan, pinasakan and hinava, lovingly prepared by Nelda Hendon, Leorita Joseph Henry and Emelda Spencer.
The event was made possible by the generosity of numerous UK and overseas sponsors, with special thanks to Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai and CEO Julinus Jeffery Jimit for their unwavering support in preserving Sabah's heritage abroad.
This was echoed in a warm personal greeting from Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
'As we celebrate, let us also commit to protecting our land, honouring our ancestors, and embracing the future with hope,' reminded SAUK president Alfred Raymond Lee.
Laura Andrew, Mariecella J Lease and Savillah Angell led by Jessie Robert performing a
traditional dance of Kulintangan group.
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