Feast of Sabah’s cultural riches

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's rich culture was highlighted in a brilliant showcase of ethnic dances and music at Sabah Fest.

Held for the first time at the newly-completed Sabah Arts and Culture Department auditorium, the show featured a line-up of 300 dancers who captivated the crowd with their elegant moves. Themed “The Adventures of Ngarayang”, the festival depicted the era of barter trade along the ancient routes in the state's west coast through the journey of a young man called Ngarayang.

Dancing back in time: A depiction showing Ngarayang travelling to Beaufort district to see the Bisaya ethnic performing ‘Bubuh Dance’ during the performance at Sabah Arts and Culture Department auditorium in Kota Kinabalu.

Ngarayang, who was mischievous at times, managed to win over the people he met along his journey with his natural charm and flair for story-telling. Although his initial task was to distribute goods to the coastal communities of the west coast, Ngarayang, whose name means trader, found more than he bargained for. He charmed the crowds wherever he went with his tales of exotic cultures he encountered during his travels.

Ngarayang's adventure was presented through a performance by, among others, the Bonggi ethnic group with their Adat Bebalang and Tabadak dances, and the Dusun Kimaragang community with their Pinakang dance. Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin launched the cultural extravaganza with Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman and other state ministers also present.

-thestar online.