Written by Cassie & Glory
Feel the spirit of Kaamatan 2025 through music! Here’s a collection of songs produced in celebration of this year’s festival, featuring talented local artists and composers who bring a modern flair to traditional sounds, blending soulful harmonies with cultural pride. Whether you’re near or far, let these melodies connect you to the rhythm of the harvest and the stories of our people.
Filmed at KDCA and Barbarian Reborn Foodcourt, the opening of the music video features Hyellene Jainus, the reigning Unduk Ngadau 2024 winner, alongside Monicka Maijin, who secured third place. Alister Leonard, who is both the composer and vocalist—delivers a heartfelt performance dedicated to all Sabahans living afar, calling them to return home during the month of May, when Kaamatan Festival is celebrated throughout Sabah.
The constant use of the words “Aramaiti” and “Kaamatan” in the MV reminds us of a celebratory cheer and a reminder to gather together in spirit and unity to celebrate the spirit of the event itself. The lyrics highlighted visiting the cultural Village (KDCA), seeing the Unduk Ngadaus, appreciating the beauty of wearing traditional wear, not to forget our elders and bringing smiles as everyone gather as one.
- Daddy Masih Kaya – Kupikupi FM ft Francis Landong, Elica Paujin, Queennera, Felix Agus & Velvet Aduk
Produced by Kupikupi FM Sabah the music video features our local talents, Francis Landong, Elica Paujin, Queennera, Felix Agus and Velvet Aduk. The MV begins with a short humorous dialogue in a car between a father, son and his wife. The story goes how a father urges his son to hastily return to Sabah as his whole family misses him dearly.
He also voices his concern about who will care for the land when he is gone. Blending comedy with emotion, the MV highlights the significance of homecoming and family ties while incorporating Kaamatan as a day of togetherness, the story beautifully portrays how celebration brings family in harmony and collective tradition.
Another wave of our locally made talents shines in another Kaamatan MV featuring Elizabeth Tan, Ryenald Guntabid, Gretchene Quirina, SMDX and Elica Paujin. The message tells of friends gathering together during Kaamatan, capturing the joyful spirit of reunion after a year of not seeing each other! Finally, when the long awaited day arrived, excitement filled the air with smiles and dances! The message is clear, ‘Kotobian Tadau Kaamatan’ is the moment to reconnect, celebrate and to ’Armaiti’ the night away.
Just as the title suggests, Silou-Silou Parai means Ripe Paddy. The music video follows closely behind the singer sitting in the field’s hut while admiring the yellow paddy fields. While gazing at them she remembers the miracle of the rice spirits and that the time has come to celebrate in unity.
This beautifully curated MV continues to capture the process of the rice paddies thriving. Moreover, the message of this song is to remember that because of the paddy, we should continue to preserve our tradition without forgetting or abandoning the practice.
‘Sumanwagu’ stands out as one of the most exciting songs released for this year’s Kaamatan celebration. With its upbeat rhythm, vibrant cinematography, the sounds of traditional instrumentals and nature sounds, this MV brings a refreshing blend of modern and traditional spirit.
What makes it even more special is that you can participate in this lively dance challenge and get the chance to win exciting prizes! So get creative, and show off your moves now. Remember to put #Sumanwagodancechallenge and tag the singer Eylia Guntabid! This challenge is open till 31st May!
In ‘Susumangod’, the MV powerfully portrays themes of bravery, identity, and cultural pride. The singers carry with them and embody the imagery of strength and resilience, especially seen in the lyrics, “I am a fighter fighting for customs and traditions” and “We are the forefront, traditional fighters.”
Dressed in striking traditional attire, they exude the spirit of true warriors, holding deep honour and legacy of their ancestors. Accompanied by dramatic instrumentals and haunting cinematography, local viewers may evoke a deep sense of pride and emotional response. The song serves as a proud reminder of male identity rooted in Sabahan heritage —declaring that no matter where one goes, their origins and warrior spirit remain unshaken.
Nicole Tojimo’s “Kaamatan Popisompuu” MV is a colourful homage to Kaamatan. In the music video, Nicole could be seen dressed in traditional clothing while standing amongst a beautiful scenery of green rice paddies and a cultural village.
While showcasing the lush backdrop of Borneo, her upbeat choreography and voice explores themes of strengthening solidarity and cultural pride while bringing the harvest celebration to life. It also highlights people actively taking part in Kaamatan traditions like the ‘Sugandoi’ singing competition and the graceful ‘Unduk Ngadau’ pageant, capturing the spirit and joy of the season.
With the use of modern beats and instrumentals, just as the title suggests, it feels very Gen Z! The song showcases a perfect blend of rap and singing. It calls for everyone to Aramaiti! From ‘Sugandoi’, a singing and ‘Unduk Ngadau’ a state level harvest festival beauty pageant competition that takes place during Kaamatan. The Gen Z expresses the idea that Kaamatan is a festival to unwind and chill after tending the paddies, by taking part in its festivities while enjoying and dancing to ‘Sumayau’ a traditional dance that originates from the Lotud people.
With the music video sung entirely in the ‘Dusun’ language, the title of the song, ‘Insan Do Sontoun’ means Once A Year. The song highlights the moment everyone has been waiting for finally arrived, following the arrival of the Kaamatan Festival. Moreover, the lyrics encourage everyone to gather in order to celebrate jubilantly with friends and family over the bountiful harvest, thanksgiving and remembering Huminodun. The message of the song emphasises the need to celebrate and to not forget our culture and tradition because the Harvest Festival only happens once a year.
Tangon II took its inspiration from the book “Sundu Doh Bambarayon” by Mr. Ree John Daulip. This epic and dramatic music video closely captures the spirit of Kaamatan through the use of cinematic visuals, powerful artistry, and the soul of Tangon’s music. It is further expressed through its tunes, heartfelt lyrics, and traditional dance.
Dancers can also be seen holding stalks of paddy while dancing gracefully, symbolising the deep reverence the people of Sabah hold for the harvest season. The MV makes use of the colours black, gold, and red to primarily reflect the essence of our traditional attire and cultural identity.
Now that you’ve discovered some of this year’s standout songs, put these into your Kaamatan music playlist and have a listen! These 10 songs are just what you need to liven up your Kaamatan during this year!
Did we miss any? Add the song in the comments!
Thank you netizens! We have discovered more :
Unduk Ngadauku – Jon James & Stevell Lumbasi
