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Research Grants@FASS

CAPTURING AND SYSTEMATISING THE MUSIC AND DANCE REPERTOIRES FOR
MAINTAINING THE IDENTITY OF BAJAU/SAMA COMMUNITY OF SEMPORNA,

SABAH, MALAYSIA

Project No. : FP035-2020
Project Leader : HANAFI BIN HUSSIN
Co. Researchers : Dr. Mala Rajo Sathian, FSSS
Dr. Amirrudin bin Kamsin, FSKT
Grant : Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS)
Project Period : 01/11/2020 to 31/10/2022
Allocation (RM) : 129,700.00

Sama-Bajau are various groups that live on the east
coast of Sabah. These groups are Bajau Kubang, Bajau
Laut, Bajau Simunul, Bajau Sibaut, Bajau Sibutu, Bajau
Kagayan, Bajau Bangingi or Balanginggi, Bajau
Tabawan, Bajau Yakan, Bajau Banaran, Bajau Sikubung
and Bajau Ubian.

Sama-Bajau groups practice various ritual dances and music. Bajau have rich music and dance culture, which are performed and
played on different occasions, festivals and rituals. There are various styles of musical tones and dances performed by these groups.

These musical and dance styles sometime challenges the
authenticity and identity of the given music and dance
steps, which cause rift and tension among the groups who
agree on certain dance steps and specific music elements.
The literature shows that there is lack of in-depth research
to record various versions, styles or repertoires of music
and dances performed by different groups and sub-groups
of Sama-Bajau. Therefore, it is required to document and
preserve the traditional music and dance style of Sama-
Bajau sub-groups to resolve the communities conflicting
arguments over the ownership of certain dances. There are
four research objectives of this program which are; 1. To
identify different Bajau groups and the dances and music
related or owned by those groups 2. To record and
document each music and dance element, style or
repertoire in light of the historical account provided by the
group members 3. To resolve the tension and conflicts over
the certain music and dance elements among the Bajau
groups, and 4. To systematize traditional music and dance
styles and repertoires by developing proper guidelines.
Findings of this study will not only help to resolve the
conflicts among different Bajau sub-groups but will also
enable the federal government as well as the state
government of Sabah (or the concerned quarters) to
understand the conflicting issues related to traditional and
historical dance and music repertoires owned or applied
by different Bajau groups and to systematize all music and
dances owned or claimed by these Bajau groups.

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