Sampé' Teachers in Sarawak

During a three-month fieldwork in Sarawak (from February to May 2011) I came across this amazing Kayan Sampé' musician, Ukong Mering. I met Ukong through a local contact, Pastor Ngau Ajang who is a Missions Pastor from one of the S.I.B. (Sidang Injil Borneo) church in Kuching. (Also better known in English as Borneo Evangelical Churches). If you happen to tune in to the Sarawak-Kayan Radio channel by accident and then wonder who is the person playing those lovely Sampé' tunes, you bet, he is the man!

For me, it is an honor to have met Ukong. On top of that, I had the privilege to visit him and his wife at his daughter's house in Kuching, record his playing, had a few interviews, and some Sampé' lessons (he offered to give me some Sampé' lessons).

His playing is amazing. What I realized was that his style of playing is rather different to the other Kenyah Sampé' musicians like--Matthew Ngau Jau, Asang Lawai, Michael Arang Jalong, or Tengit Usat. However, one needs to bear in mind that each Sampé' musician has their distinct performance style. Because of that, it makes them so unique, so outstanding in their playing! Their distinct individualistic flair makes you want to hunt them down and learn from each of these phenomenal players!

The Sampé' I hold in my hands is made by Ukong Mering himself. It has a very clear sound, even without amplification! The Orang Ulu motifs on the instrument surface is colorful and bright. Yellow, white, and red seems to be the common colors for the Orang Ulu. The Sampé' is available for sale. If you are interested, please contact me via email. I am doing this publicity as a favor to help Ukong Mering. I am a Ph.D. Candidate and a researcher working towards my dissertation and therefore entirely not a businesswoman. And so, there is no middle man charge.