Alena Murang

Alena Murang is a Malaysian artist and sape player known for weaving the ancient sounds of Borneo into fresh, contemporary tunes. Hailing from Sarawak, she’s one of the first women to professionally play the sape, a traditional lute-like instrument central to the music of her Kelabit and Kenyah heritage. Her tracks, like the pulsing “War Cry” or the meditative “Sky Songs,” blend hypnotic rhythms, multilingual vocals (she sings in both English and Indigenous languages), and earthy, modern production. Beyond music, she’s a storyteller and cultural advocate, hosting workshops and collaborations to keep Sarawak’s traditions alive.

With releases like “Nadi” (a collaboration with Indonesian artists) and the joyful “Bejugit Betanda Menari,” Alena’s work feels both rooted and exploratory. Whether performing solo or in stripped-down trio versions (check out “Pemung Jae”), her music bridges generations—honoring rituals like Gawai (a harvest festival) while embracing global influences. When she’s not recording or touring, you might find her painting or teaching sape, proving her art is as multifaceted as the rainforests that inspire it.