KUCHING: Darren Mengga Larry Mengga, an 18-year-old musician of mixed Iban and Bidayuh descent, is set to compete in the upcoming Sape Junior 2023 competition.
He is among five other finalists contesting for the prestigious prize of RM10,000.
“If I win, then it would be a blessing, and even if I don’t win, I count it as a blessing as well to be a part of this competition. If possible, I do hope to be the champion for this (Sape Junior 2023),” he told reporters at a press conference in RTM yesterday.
Darren, who has already won a gold medal at the Malaysia Championship of Performing Arts in 2021 and a bronze medal in 2022, is confident about his performance and has chosen two songs, ‘Terima Kasih’ by Awie for the contemporary segment and the traditional song ‘Lulau.’
Aside from the competition, he also has a dream of performing on the international stage, particularly at the Rainforest World Music Festival.
“I’ve always thought about it, that one day I could perform in the Rainforest World Music Festival. I know I am still young, but that has always been my dream,” he added.
Moreover, Darren hoped that RTM will continue to organise more Sape junior competitions and invite international Sape musicians in the future.
