Sarawak's music of Christmas in the heart of KL
Sape player Anderson Kalang has won numerous accolades but is happy just playing on the streets for people to hear.
Photographs by Djohan Shahrin
Anderson Kalang, a Kelabit from Miri in Sarawak, is a professional sape player who currently resides in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur.
He has six sapes, some of which are traditional in structure while others are modern and use electricity. The instrument has its roots in the Kenyah tribe, an indigenous minority in northern Sarawak.
His favourite sape is autographed at the back by fellow sape players as well as Malaysian guitarists and singers, including Alena Murang, Jerry Kamit, Matthew Ngau Jau, Hillary Ang and Amy Search.
Anderson has modified one of the rooms in his house, turning it into a music studio where he spends his time practising or modifying songs to fit the instrument.
A known musician, Anderson was involved in the production of the Keluarga Malaysia song, providing the sape music heard throughout the piece.
Anderson plays along with a rock version of popular Christmas song, Feliz Navidad. He prefers rock music but is also an expert in incorporating jazz and blues in his music.
He has won many trophies and awards for his music, including the Tourism Indigenous Music for Miri City Mayor’s Award 2019.
He has also been featured many times in news articles and write-ups on the sape music industry.
With Christmas just around the corner, he has been busy putting up his miniature tree, decorated with lights and crowned with a tiny sape next to the star.
He is also an avid photographer, and his old camera receives a place of honour next to the tree.
This Christmas, armed with his sape, Anderson is headed for Bukit Bintang, in the heart of Kuala Lumpur's Golden Triangle.
Dressed in traditional attire, he busks along sidewalks near the brightly lit malls, bringing a smile to the faces of those who pass by.
His happiest moments are when people such as this little girl truly enjoy the music he provides.
For a long time, he plays his sape, filling the air with the sound of the traditional instrument.
When he finally packs up and heads home, it is with a smile of satisfaction on his face.
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