Performing Arts /Contents

Vocal music of Sabah and Sarawak

Patricia Matusky and Jacqueline Pugh-Kitingan

The vocal music among the many ethnic groups in Sabah and Sarawak takes many forms, ranging from love songs to ritual chanting, from elaborately styled performances to extemporaneous compositions. These vocal music genres are the main means by which the oral literature of the folk culture in Sabah and Sarawak is spread and sustained.

  • Information in the full article includes
  • Singing
  • Call-and-response genres
  • Ritual chanting
  • Recitations
  • Circular dancing and vocal music
  • Stylized crying
Lotud tantangas

Lotud tantangas chanting rinait in the monidong ceremony of the mangahau at Tuaran, Sabah.