KOTA KINABALU — The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), through the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN), organised Ritma Kinabalu, or Rhythms of Kinabalu (ROK) 2026 from Oct 2 to 4 at Padang Merdeka here, featuring a diverse showcase of Sabah’s traditional and contemporary arts and culture.
The three-day programme, held from 8.30 am to 11 pm, was one of 15 Cultural Tourism Programmes organised by JKKN this year and was hosted by JKKN Sabah as a platform to promote and highlight the state’s rich artistic and cultural heritage, particularly its music.
Now in its 12th edition since its inception in 2011, ROK continues to strengthen efforts to preserve and elevate Sabah’s intangible cultural heritage.
The ROK 2026 opening ceremony was officiated by Sabah Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
Also present were MOTAC Deputy Secretary-General (Culture) Datuk Mohd Yusri Mohd Yusoff; Sabah Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Dr Andi Md Shamsureezal Mohd Sainal; Sabah Federal Secretary Datuk Mohd Razali Wahab; and JKKN Director-General Mohd Amran Mohd Haris.
The highlight of the ROK 2026 Gala Night and opening ceremony was a special performance showcasing Sabah’s cultural richness through a fusion of traditional and contemporary music, featuring local works and well-known legends from the state.
The performance involved 156 musicians and dancers and was presented in five main segments, namely Lagenda Aki Nabalu, Lagenda Huminodun, Lagenda Pahlawan Antanom, Pahlawan Kuda and Arung Salamiah.
The showcase also featured local artistes including Elica Paujin and Den Bisa, as well as performances by The Male-Efficient, Razali Kulintangan, MuTraS, the JKKN Sabah Arts Group, D’Borneo Arts, the Kinabalu Dancers, JKKN’s Bimbingan Seni Cemerlang (KBSC) Group and JKKN’s Satelit Group.
Also taking part were Aidil@Dielo, winner of the 2026 Dance World Cup; Gelvia Vanessa Jenny, Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2026; Dyeneley Daud, Randawi Tavantang Kaamatan 2026; Syafikah Abdul Jahiq, Ratu Lepa 2026; and Aiman Atirah Maisarah Zaidin, Ratu Serimpak 2025.
A variety of activities were also held throughout the programme, including Kampung Budaya, Tamu Seni, traditional arts and cultural demonstrations, as well as a three-kilometre Cultural Parade involving 110 participants from various ethnic communities in Sabah.
The programme also provided opportunities for talent discovery and community participation through activities such as Miss ROK, Voice of Ethnic, traditional sports, Senam Seni 2.0, a children’s colouring competition, an interactive quiz and other activities celebrating Sabah’s diverse arts and cultural heritage. —Bernama
