Kenyalang still flies high at school functions
KUCHING: The theme song of Sarawak Education Department, ‘ Fly Kenyalang Fly, Fly High’ which was first introduced in 2015, has since become a melody in schools in Sarawak, and any Sarawak Education Department functions, but not many know who the composer is.
Patrick Kamis, in his 50s, who hails from Pusa in Saribas and a principal of SMK Pusa is the composer of ‘ Fly Kenyalang Fly, Fly High’.
He always has the love for music, and in fact, has composed many commercial songs for local singers and the Asian talent contests as far as Kazakhstan.
Patrick said the idea of the song came from the department’s former director, Serina Sauni, who wanted a theme song for the department.
“We never had one before, and after much discussion, she ( Serina) told us that the song had to be ready in three days’ time. Reason being, the Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin at that time, was visiting Sarawak and Serina wanted something that the minister could launch. “We had the song composed in three days, it was crazy that we all had to rush to have it completed. Serina said as long as the song has some ethnic touches, with a little bit of modern beat, and the tune catchy to attract the young ones,” he said.
Finally, ‘ Fly Kenyalang Fly, Fly High’ was born in 2015, with the line- up of names that must be acknowledged - Serina Sauni ( executive producer), Abang Mat Ali Abang Masagus ( deputy director of Education Department and also producer of the theme song) , another educator Suffian Jalet ( lyricist), Nusai ri Kami s ( Pat r ick’s brother) who helped in the music arrangement , song concept and melody, and Patrick the composer.
The original singers of ‘ Fly Kenyalang Fly, Fly High’ were the students of SMK Pusa, and later it was performed by the department’s choir.
Pat r i c k , me t a f t e r t he presentation of excellence service award of the Sarawak Education Department yesterday, said the song could be heard at any school or department function and even on YouTube.