Stanford Ryan Sidi has recently made Sarawak proud with his achievements at the 27th World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA). Sharing his journey in music and sape’, he reflects on the hardships and the silver lining that came from not giving up.
Sape’ star shines at WCOPA 2024
A talented artiste in the art of sape’, an Orang Ulu traditional music instrument, Stanford Ryan Sidi recently made headlines in Sarawak with his achievements from the 27th World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA).
Based in Sibu, Stanford competed in five categories: contemporary, original works, classical, jazz, and open category. His performances earned him one gold, three silvers, and one bronze across the categories.
In clinching gold, he revealed that he had also become the world division champion with his performance of the original masterpiece “Borneo Journey” in the original works category, which he composed in just five days. The song, which reflects his journey with the sape’ up to this day, showcases the achievements he has built through various challenges and opportunities.
The early days
Of Iban heritage, Stanford’s introduction to the sape’ in 2017 was a significant opportunity. Recalling his student days in Kuching, he remembers meeting an uncle at an event at the Waterfront.
“He had a display of the sape’, and I was intrigued. I asked him how much it was, but he said it was not for sale. We exchanged numbers and kept in touch.”
Stanford’s interest in the instrument grew from there. Growing up, he was always surrounded by musically inclined family members who played the guitar and traditional Iban instruments. With a love for music, he also learned to strum the guitar.
However, a decision he made in 2017 changed his life — he chose to swap his treasured guitar for a sape’ due to financial constraints as a student.
“But the uncle I met at the Waterfront refused. After much discussion, he decided to gift me a sape’. What touched me the most was that he drove from Kuching to Sibu to deliver the instrument in person.”
Initially, Stanford was motivated to learn the sape’ by practising traditional songs. In Sibu, with no local teachers available, he taught himself by watching YouTube and Facebook videos. He would screen-record sape’ performances and slow them down to learn the techniques. By 2022, he began exploring contemporary genres with the sape’.
Road to WCOPA 2024
Throughout the challenging journey to WCOPA this year, Stanford revealed that he nearly gave up at the last moment due to unforeseen circumstances. Nevertheless, the support and encouragement he received from friends, family, and the sape’ community propelled him to the international stage. Despite facing trials and tribulations, his efforts bore fruit.
Reflecting on his rocky journey, he shared valuable lessons learned.
“Choosing the right songs to perform at WCOPA is crucial because I need to be confident in delivering them. It must be a song I can play well; however, if I make mistakes, I must adapt the performance to make it appear intentional.”
When meeting other participants, Stanford saw that each was brimming with confidence and realised that the competition was no joke. Despite this, he gave it his all. When he heard his name called to receive the medals, he was overjoyed and jumped with excitement.
“I felt happy and surreal, and I could not believe what I had achieved because the other performers were extraordinary. When I entered the semifinals, I was in fourth place in all five categories. I felt hopeless because the others were the best of the best.”
After qualifying for the finals, he told himself, “Ini kalilah. I should get one or two medals for myself. I will give it my all — who knew I would win in every category? My winnings were unexpected,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
A culture to preserve
Speaking on cultural preservation, Stanford emphasises its importance.
“Even though I am an Iban playing the Orang Ulu instrument, the sape’ is synonymous with Sarawak culture. If we do not introduce it and create more awareness about it, preserving it in the future will be challenging as the world continues to develop.”
Therefore, playing the sape’ and bringing the art to the global stage has become his mission.
Now that he has returned to his homeland, Sibu, Stanford has big plans for his future with the sape’. He hopes to release a new single that he wrote himself for the community. Sharing advice learned throughout his journey, he emphasised perseverance.
“Do not give up despite the challenges; there will always be a silver lining,” said the 26-year-old.
For his recent journey at WCOPA, he thanked God for His grace, provision, covering, and protection. Stanford also expressed gratitude to his family for their support and help throughout the challenges he faced.
“I also want to thank Danison Manium and Elizabeth Bungan for their efforts in supporting my journey to the US, and Persatuan Anak Seni Sape’ Kuching (PUSAK) for helping me raise funds to participate in the competition. I must also acknowledge Queenievelle Enterprise and Cikgu Lia,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to his mentors: Anderson Kalang, Danison Manium, Elizabeth Bungan, Jeffery Jack, Aaron Alan, Abisheg M, and Jerry Kamit.
“Jerry also lent me two of his songs, “Sape’ Unity” and “Sape’ Nature”, for which I won silver medals.”
Lastly, Stanford especially thanked his loved one, Ema Kulata, who has always prayed for him and given him moral support, motivation, and encouragement during challenging times.
