Kota Kinabalu: Sabah veteran artistes including songwriters are determined to set up a new association to be named “Persatuan Penyanyi Songkotoun Sabah” as a platform to bring together singers of old native songs across the State, said its Protem President Romeo Ansow.
He said the focus of the association would be on cultural preservation and improving opportunities for local creative talents among veteran artists in the State.
“This main objective of establishing this association is to unite singers from different districts and backgrounds under one organisation, while also strengthening support systems for Sabah artists and preserving traditional music heritage.
“We are forming this association to unite singers, especially ‘songkotoun’ voices, across districts in Sabah. At the same time, we want to protect the welfare of our members and preserve traditional singing heritage and old songs,” he said.
Speaking to Daily Express after chairing the protem committee meeting here recently, Romeo said the committee agreed to register the association with the Registrar of Societies (RoS) as ‘Persatuan Penyanyi Songkotoun Sabah’, with the word “songkotoun” in Kadazandusun meaning old songs.
He added that the group aims to build stronger ties between veteran and younger generations of performers to ensure that traditional knowledge and musical heritage are passed on.
“Another important goal is to bridge veteran singers with the younger generation. There is a need for this connection so that experience and cultural heritage can be passed on and will not be extinct,” he said, adding that the brainchild of the association is Keningau MP and Tambunan Assemblyman Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan.
Romeo said there are many native veteran singers in Sabah who come from long-established indigenous oral traditions among communities such as the Kadazandusun, Murut, Bajau, Irranun and Bisaya, among others.
“Therefore, this association is opening its membership to all veterans above 55 from various ethnic groups who can sing and love to sing. Those who are interested can contact our Secretary Severia MJ Tunggolou at 017-838 2508 or me at 013-8696313,” said Romeo, adding that the association currently has about 50 members comprising singers and songwriters.
Historically, he said singing and writing songs in native languages were not primarily for entertainment, but the lyrics come from daily life, rituals, storytelling and community events.
“Each ethnic group and even individual districts developed distinct musical styles, dialects and performance traditions, making these singers important carriers of highly localised cultural identity.
“They became key figures in preserving mother-tongue music through festivals, competitions such as Kaamatan-related events and community performances, while also mentoring younger artists.
Today, they are increasingly recognised as vital links between past and present, helping sustain Sabah’s linguistic and musical heritage within a changing cultural and creative landscape.
“Following this, I hope the association would be given a role to play in the next state-level Sugandoi Kaamatan and similar competitions, especially in the category of singers aged around 60 and above, as we have many eligible veteran singers and songwriters who can be the juries,” he said.
He said many native singers still work independently, particularly in music production and promotion, and the association hopes to provide a platform for collaboration, including potential group projects such as concerts and compilation albums.
Romeo, who won many open singing competitions and talent shows here, said the initiative is still in its early stages, with a founding meeting already held and registration documents being prepared.
He also highlighted the financial challenges faced by many creative practitioners, noting that public perception often underestimates the costs involved in music production.
“There is a misconception that singers are always financially strong. In reality, many struggle with costs such as recording, mixing and equipment,” he said.
Beyond music, Romeo said the association is also exploring opportunities in broader creative collaborations, including short-form ‘mini drama’ productions that showcase Sabah’s cultural identity alongside original music.
He added that the group is also considering the idea of a welfare support fund for artists facing financial or health difficulties, as part of efforts to strengthen the local creative ecosystem.
“Our goal is not only to organise singers, but also to preserve our heritage and build a stronger, more structured creative community in Sabah,” he said.
The protem committee members are Romeo (President), Severia MJ Tunggolou (Secretary) and Hilary Petrus (Treasurer). The rest of the members are Mary Galanson, Laina Elyne Rani, Elizabeth Augustine and Tony Gidong, among others.
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