Orang Ulu idols sign record deals with music studio
MIRI: The top three winners of the recently concluded ‘Orang Ulu Idol’ signed new record deals with Radiant Music Studio here on Friday.
Watson Tase Batu emerged champion after beating 37 other contestants for the coveted title at the grand finals of the inaugural singing competition organised jointly by the Orang Ulu Sarawak Youths Association (Yousa) and Staven Event Management Sarawak Club at Imperial Mall here on July 30. The singer and Sape player of mixed Kenyah and Berawan parentage walked away with a cash prize of RM800 and a trophy.
The first runner-up was Jos Lang who received a cash prize of RM500. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Usun came in third and received a cash prize of RM300.
All three winners also got the golden opportunity to record singles which will be produced by Radiant Music Studio.
“Watson as the champion gets to record four singles, while Jos and Elizabeth a single each.
“All six songs will be included in a compilation album to be released by July next year,” Yousa president Spanski Steven told thesundaypost at the record deal signing ceremony at Dynasty Hotel on Friday.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau, who is also Yousa advisor.
Dennis thanked the Orang Ulu elected representatives including Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala, Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon, Batu Danau assemblyman Paulus Palu Gumbang, Lawas MP Datuk Henry Sum Agong and Baram Member of Parliament Anyi Ngau for their support in this year’s programme.
“We support Yousa and its activities as this is one of the ways to further develop our Orang Ulu community – especially our youths, in line with our chief minister’s vision to prioritise the needs and highlight talents of the younger generation.
“We hope that through this competition, we will be able to enliven the entertainment industry of the Orang Ulu community by continuing to provide platforms for our younger generation to showcase their immense talents,” he added.
Orang Ulu Idol was also supported by the Sarawak United National Youths Organisation (Saberkas) Telang Usan branch.
Dennis added that the community should never underestimate the business potential as success is possible in the Orang Ulu music industry.
“For an artiste to truly succeed, he or she would at some point need to understand the various parts of the music industry including how to work in studios with professionals.
“Other factors including passion, commitment, opportunity, networking and the ability to adapt in the music industry are equally crucial for an artiste to excel,” he said.
Dennis commended Yousa for its noble effort to unearth singing talents among the Orang Ulu community.
“The Orang Ulu Idol is a perfect example to show that the community takes music seriously, with the increasing number of highly talented singers who are passionately driven for success.
“It is hoped that we will be able to continue to flourish and further enhance the Orang Ulu entertainment industry to better promote it at a higher level,” he added.
Staven Event Management Sarawak Club founder Steven Hii and Radiant Music producer Denn Al were also present at the ceremony.