Latest news with #Misompuru
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Marsha passionate about amplifying indigenous Borneo sound
SHE may not have been the top winner of a reality talent show, but Marsha Milan Londoh has established herself as one of Borneo's pop queens of the 2000s and beyond. While she excels in both singing and acting, and most recently tasted victory when her hit ballad 'Hening Rindu' topped the Anugerah Juara Lagu 39 in February, the Tamparuli-born beauty loves traditional Kadazan-Dusun popular music from her home state most. HEART For that reason, 40-year-old Marsha has just come up with a six-track album that pays tribute to the music that is close to her heart, titled 'Misompuru'. At a recent listening session of the album, which also saw Marsha share the stage with some of her collaborators and perform all six songs, the Akademi Fantasia 3 graduate said: "Misompuru originates from the Kadazan-Dusun language word that means 'gathering'. "This album is a love letter from me to my motherland, Borneo and it aims to be a work that will always be listened to by the people of Borneo, no matter where they are." Marsha added: "It is inspired by the rhythms, styles and colours of indigenous music from Sabah, Labuan and Sarawak, also known as East Malaysia. "And all of the songs in it feature elements of nostalgia, strength, resilience and longing for the homeland." COMPLETED Marsha began work on the album late last year and completed it around the same time as her participation in Anugerah Juara Lagu 39. She said: "Misompuru has been my ticket to go to the international music stage, and rightly so, as I sang for Malaysia at the Round Asean-Korea Music Festival 2025, with artistes from around Southeast Asia in June. "It was befittingly accompanied by my poster appearing on New York's Times Square billboard as part of the Equal campaign by Spotify in April." SIX SONGS Misompuru's six songs are 'Nalan Nalan' which features Sarawakian sape maestro Alena Murang, who also composed and wrote it; 'Lintah Darat' composed and written by Marsha's old friend from Akademi Fantasia 4 Velvet Aduk, who is the guest vocalist; and Pelangi Pasti, written and composed by Akademi Fantasia 9's Amir Jahari. There is also 'Santai Saja', written by Marsha and composed by Velvet's husband and fellow Akademi Fantasia 4 graduate Rich Gimbang of Estranged; 'Hey Aramai Ti', a duet with Sabahan composer and lyricist Datuk Francis Landong; and 'Sumandak Sabah', Marsha's and Velvet's catchy collaboration which they co-wrote and co-composed. USERS Marsha said: "The track 'Lintah Darat' was the most challenging song for me, as it is a subtle critique of users which is meant to be entertaining yet educational. "It's based on my real-life experiences, and that of Velvet's. I guess all of us have encountered such people in our lives, and they're people we must avoid at all costs." Marsha said that 'Nalan Nalan' was the song that best reflected her, as it was about being on the move, a metaphor for one's life journey and progress. "The song 'Nalan Nalan' precisely means a journey, and it's always a joy to have a duet with the magnificent sape, beautifully played by Alena, a world class musician of Borneo," she said. EMOTIONAL As for 'Pelangi Pasti', Marsha described it as the album's most emotional song, which often saw her shed tears while singing it. "It's my first collaboration with Amir, who is one of Akademi Fantasia's and Borneo's most prolific composers and lyricists. "It may have a rainbow in its title, but actually it contains a lot of sorrowful moments. After completing the entire song, I felt grateful for the many things, good and bad, which have happened in my life thus far." DECEMBER Marsha said that 'Nalan Nalan' and 'Lintah Darat' were the first two songs which she recorded, in November and December last year, while 'Santai Saja' was the last one. Marsha describes 'Misompuru' as her stepping-stone to promote her passion for indigenous music, and in future she would love to record more indigenous music, not just in Kadazan-Dusun but also in other languages of Borneo. KLANG VALLEY She admitted that songs in native Borneo languages were not easily received by mainstream audiences in the heart of the Klang Valley. "Nevertheless, Malaysians are fast becoming more open to diverse types of music. "More and more Malaysians are beginning to appreciate music that is sung in languages other than English and Malay," she said. HOPE She hopes that 'Misompuru' will encourage more of Borneo's indigenous pop singers to "go mainstream" and put the Borneo sound on the world music map. "This album is also my Kaamatan gift for fans and family. It combines both Malay and Kadazan-Dusun lyrics to make it accessible to Malaysians around the country." POSTERS While Misompuru's promotional posters speak of Marsha as the Queen of Borneo Music, she feels that there are many other iconic singers from Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan who are equally talented. "The title Queen Of Borneo does sound rather flattering, honestly. If there are people who truly deserve this title, they would be Borneo's pioneering female singers such as beloved 1970s legends Uji Rashid and Anita Sarawak," she said.
New Straits Times
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Free listening session for Marsha Milan's new album 'Misompuru' on July 13
KUALA LUMPUR: Sabahan singer Marsha Milan Londoh is back with a brand new album that celebrates a blend of tradition and modernity. The album, titled Misompuru, which means "gathering" in Kadazan-Dusun, her mother tongue, features six songs and is now available on all major music streaming platforms. In a statement yesterday, Marsha announced that fans are invited to a free listening session of the album at 4pm on July 13. The free event, themed Misompuru: Borneo Album Listening Session, will take place at RXP in REX KL, Jalan Sultan, here. Marsha shared her enthusiasm, saying, "My latest album celebrates the beauty of Borneo's traditional music, and it comes from my deep love of my motherland." She added that her new album combines elements of nostalgia with a profound affection for tradition, family, and her roots. "In other words, it is my love letter to my homeland Sabah and Borneo," she explained. "Misompuru's sound is deeply rooted in the Borneo sound and resonates with everyone who loves their homeland and family." Misompuru also marks Marsha's first significant attempt to enter the global music market. She was recently invited to perform songs from the new album at the Round ASEAN-Korea Music Festival 2025. "My upcoming listening session promises to be an immersive and interactive musical experience," she said.
The Star
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
In the spirit of Nusantara, Marsha Milan, the music queen of Borneo, celebrates her new album with a free listening party with fans
Malaysian music Queen of Borneo, Marsha Milan, wants to celebrate and invite all her fans for a free jamming session in Kuala Lumpur/ It will be an intimate celebration filled with the beauty of sound, culture, and art, Marsha will be performing with a special event, "Misompuru: Borneo Album Listening Session" on 13 July 2025 (Sunday), from 4 to 6 pm at RXP, REX KL. The singer who in February won the Anugerah Juara Lagu 2025 title for the song "Hening Rindu" has now notched up another success in her long glittering career with the launch of her new album "Misompuru". 'Misompuru' is a term derived from the Dusun language, meaning 'gathering' in English, or 'crowd' in Malay. Through this session, Marsha aims to translate that spirit by bringing together fans and media representatives to fully appreciate and enjoy the uniqueness of Borneo music. As a work born from a deep love for her homeland, "Misompuru" emerges as Marsha Milan's love letter to Borneo. It brings together elements of nostalgia, strength of spirit, and longing for her hometown, which makes this work close to the hearts of listeners, especially Borneo residents who always want to return to enjoy it. With a rhythm and musical style that reflects the unique taste of Sabah and Sarawak, which is different from the music of the Peninsular, "Misompuru" brings a fresh voice to a genre that is rarely featured in the mainstream music industry. Even more proud, "Misompuru" also paved the way for Marsha Milan to break into the international stage. After winning the AJL39 trophy, she was recently invited to the ROUND ASEAN-Korea Music Festival 2025, to bring songs from this album as representatives of Borneo's identity. This proves that Misompuru is not just an album, but a manifestation of heritage art that is now recognized globally, befitting the Queen of Borneo, Malaysia. "Misompuru: Borneo Album Listening Session" is not just about music; it is an immersive and interactive cultural experience, bringing together elements of Borneo music, art, and tradition in one space. Admission is free, but seating is limited, so make sure to register early for a live performance of all five songs from the Misompuru album, Cultural demonstrations and dances such as Magunatip, Sumpit and Sumazau, Traditional Borneo food and drink offerings and a stall offering exclusive Marsha Milan merchandise Marsha also encourages all fans coming to the show to come dressed in Borneo fashion, and she will herself present the best-dressed fans with special gifts. Listen to all the songs from the "Misompuru" album on all major digital streaming platforms. But if you want to truly experience the Borneo spirit from every verse, voice and performance by Marsha Milan said, "join me in the jamming session". For the latest updates on Alternate Records & Talents, visit the official Alternate Records & Talents social media accounts on Facebook, @ on Instagram, and @ on TikTok. Misompuru Album Tracklist: Nalan Nalan (Marsha Milan & Alena Murang); Lintah Darat (Marsha Milan & Velvet Aduk), Pelangi Pasti, Santai Saja, Hey Aramai Ti (Marsha Milan & Datuk Francis Landong)
Borneo Post
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Kaamatan: A call for unity in the land of Huminodun
As Sabah welcomes the radiant glow of Kaamatan and the haunting strains of the sompoton fill the valleys, this sacred period, rooted in the legend of Huminodun, prompts deep introspection and thankfulness. Huminodun, the revered maiden whose selfless act brought forth the first rice harvest, embodies unity and altruism. This leads to a critical question: How can a person who honors such a powerful symbol of cohesion remain entangled in political disarray? The Kadazandusun, Sabah's largest indigenous community, holds vast potential. However, their true strength can only be unlocked by embracing the ancient wisdom of Misompuru (Unity) and forging a collective vision for what lies ahead. At the core of Kadazandusun beliefs is the touching narrative of Huminodun. Faced with devastating famine, Kinoingan, the creator deity, made an unimaginable choice: to save humanity, he had to sacrifice his only child. With immense love and dedication, Huminodun willingly offered herself. Her body was laid into the earth, from which the first rice emerged, sustaining countless generations. This ultimate sacrifice, commemorated yearly during Kaamatan through ceremonies like the Magavau, transcends a mere story of sorrow; it stands as a powerful testament to the strength of unity and the profound connection between individuals and their community. The Unduk Ngadau, or harvest queen, chosen during the festival, personifies Huminodun's purity, wisdom, and grace. Her symbolic role reminds the community that leadership must serve the greater good. Yet, in today's political landscape, this sacred covenant appears forgotten. How has a people united by the legacy of a heroine who gave her life for unity allowed themselves to splinter into factions that seem to thrive on division? Sabah's political sphere has become increasingly fragmented, with multiple parties — UPKO, PBS, PBRS, STAR, among others — jostling for influence under the banner of Kadazandusun rights. Despite their common cause, internal rivalries, shifting alliances, and competing agendas have weakened their collective voice. This political disunity has led to tangible consequences. Native land rights, enshrined in law, are routinely undermined by external interests, yet without a united political front, enforcement remains elusive. Economically, many rural Kadazandusun communities continue to face hardship, trapped in cycles of poverty and underdevelopment, while disjointed leadership fails to marshal coordinated advocacy. The cultural cost is no less grave. A 2017 Borneo Post Online article, 'The Kadazandusun language dilemma,' highlighted that many district youth under thirty struggled to speak Kadazan. This aligns with a 2005 UNESCO report deeming Kadazandusun endangered, a critical indicator that the culture risks disappearing without targeted efforts. This is not the legacy Huminodun died to bequeath. Her act was a call to unity, not a license for petty squabbles. Kaamatan, at its core, has always been more than a celebration of harvest — it is a time of renewal, of reconciling differences, sharing abundance, and reaffirming kinship. In the past, rituals led by the bobohizan or bombolian were not only spiritual acts but mechanisms for healing and consensus. Elders resolved conflicts, families shared the first rice harvest, and the community danced the sumazau in harmonious rhythm, reflecting a society at peace with itself. Today, Kaamatan risks becoming a hollow shell — reduced to pageantry and performance, stripped of its deeper meaning — unless its essence is reclaimed. Imagine if political leaders, instead of trading barbs, genuinely shared tapai under the roof of Hongkod Koisaan, pledging collaboration over competition. Picture the unveiling of a unified agenda for the Kadazandusun people — rooted in land protection, cultural preservation and educational reform — delivered not in separate party platforms, but as a collective vision. Envision young people and women — torchbearers of Huminodun's spirit — leading campaigns that transcend partisan lines, igniting hope in both village halls and digital spaces. The image of Kadazandusun leaders joining in the sumazau, moving in unison like the intertwined roots of the rice plant, could become a powerful living symbol of Misompuru — not just a concept, but a call to action. Around the world, indigenous peoples have found strength in solidarity. The Māori of New Zealand, by uniting under the framework of the Treaty of Waitangi, secured not only land reparations but a firm voice in parliament. In the United States, the Navajo Nation, despite its internal diversity, consolidated political power to protect its resources and secure federal support. These examples show that unity is not a surrender of identity; it is a strategy for survival and growth. The Kadazandusun, with their profound cultural heritage, could likewise wield greater influence through cooperation and shared purpose. Perhaps, like the Māori Kingitanga, a central movement rooted in cultural pride and political coordination could emerge. To make Misompuru a reality, several key steps are needed. The formation of a Kadazandusun Political Council — serving as a neutral platform akin to the bobohizan's role as mediator — could help align party priorities and push for crucial legislation, from protecting Native Customary Rights (NCR) land to intensifying Kadazandusun-language education and developing sustainable rural economies. Grassroots initiatives should accompany this political reawakening. A 'Tumahui do Huminodun' campaign could mobilize youth around the symbolism of her sacrifice, linking tradition to activism through art, dialogue, and community action. Even simple efforts, such as rival politicians co-hosting Kaamatan activities or jointly planting rice, can plant seeds of trust and solidarity. As the gongs echo and the scent of hinava drifts through the air, this Kaamatan, the Kadazandusun are called to make a choice. Will they continue down a path of fragmentation, or rise together as people bound by the same moon that once witnessed their ancestors dance in unity? Huminodun's story is not merely a legend to be admired; it is a roadmap waiting to be followed. Just as her body became the rice that sustained a people, today's leaders must transform their ambitions into nourishment for the collective good. This moment goes beyond politics. It is about safeguarding a heritage — the terraced paddies, the chants of the bobohizan, the laughter of children speaking the language of their forebears. It is about honoring the spirits of those who came before by securing a dignified future for those yet to come. Let this Kaamatan mark a new beginning. Let it prove that Misompuru is not a forgotten dream but a living, breathing force. For as the proverb reminds us: 'Ounsik do Huminodun, ounsik do Kaamatan.' Without Huminodun, there is no harvest. And without unity, there is no future. Nokoturu ti Huminodun, moginum ti tapai do Misompuru (Follow Huminodun's path, and drink the rice wine of unity.)
