Kota Kinabalu: Ryenald Guntabid’s “Lumangad Oku Dika” claimed the top prize at the 16th Sabah Artists’ Song Chart Awards (Clas16) at the Sabah National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) Auditorium here on Saturday night.
Performed on the night by Feli Stacy Paimin, the song earned RM6,000 after Ryenald, who wrote, composed and originally performed the entry, was unable to attend as he was in Kuching for the 25th Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM 25).
Ryenald, who was nominated for Best Male Vocal Performance at AIM 25 for “Gagal Setia”, described the Clas16 victory as particularly meaningful as it represented recognition for his work in his home state.
“This victory is no less important than my previous wins because it represents recognition and acceptance of my work here in my own homeland, Sabah,” he said when contacted on Sunday.
He thanked the Clas16 judges and RTM for the recognition, while apologising to fans who had hoped to see him perform at the awards.
“I am confident Feli Stacy gave a performance that was just as outstanding,” he said.
Ryenald also described Clas as an important platform for Sabah talents and expressed hope that it would continue providing more opportunities for local artistes to produce and showcase their work.
Second place and RM4,000 went to “Bintang Menemani Bulan”, written and composed by Arddley Nicholas and performed by Loverlhine Ivy R Amin.
Arddley, the song’s original singer, was also absent as he was attending AIM 25 in Kuching, where he won the Best Male Vocal Performance category for “Sandiwara Cinta”.
“Memori”, written and composed by Jun and performed by Felix Agus, finished third to take home RM2,000.
Loverlhine also secured Best Vocal for “Bintang Menemani Bulan”, while Mixsimus Jumi won Best Lyrics for “Semarakkan Harapan” and Qahirah Maisarah received Best Performance for “Bahagia Tanpamu”, with each award carrying RM1,000.
The other finalists received RM500 each.
A total of nine songs competed in the final, including Mixsimus’ “Semarakkan Harapan”; Edwan Abo’s “Bahagia Tanpamu”, performed by Qahirah; Ryenald’s “Lumangad Oku Dika”, performed by Fely; and Narsisius Justin Misin’s “Hati Bukan Mata”.
The line-up also featured “Yang Satu”, composed by Moses Bryan Clay and Don, with lyrics by Don and performed by Moses; “Mungkin Hari Esok”, written and composed by Clerence@Bob and performed by Queennera; and Arddley’s “Bintang Menemani Bulan”, performed by Loverlhine.
Completing the finalists were Jun’s “Memori”, performed by Felix, and “Mawar Merekah”, composed by Nabil Syafiq with lyrics by Ag Aidil Adzhar Bakar and performed by Dang Mar Ezzah.
The “Black Gold”-themed awards were organised by Sabah RTM through its Entertainment and Music Section, with the finalists accompanied by the Sabah RTM Combo.
Clas15 champion Velvet Aduk appeared as a special guest performer, Funz Crew opened the programme, while DJ Edith and DJ Noddy hosted the evening.
Organised since 2005 as a platform for Sabah songwriters, composers and singers, Clas selected this season’s finalists based on their performances on its weekly chart, including listener support and voting.
The final was also broadcast on Sabahfm, Sabah RTM’s official social media platforms and RTMKlik.
Chief Minister’s Political Secretary Datuk Mazlan Joehari Manan presented the prizes, accompanied by Sabah Broadcasting Director Mohd Yusni Mohamed Ali.
