Alena Murang

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Alena Murang (born 1989) is a Malaysian singer-songwriter, sape player, visual artist and educator who sings in endangered languages including Kelabit and Kenyah. She is one of the first women to play the sape, a lute instrument from Borneo traditionally (pre-1930s) reserved for male healers. Prior to pursuing music full-time, she worked as strategy manager for not-for-profit organization, Teach for Malaysia.

Career Murang made her debut as an artiste in 2016 with the release of EP, Flight.

In May 2024, in collaboration with Sabahan singer-songwriter Velvet Aduk, she released the track "Bejugit Betanda Menari" (Dance Dance Dance) for the annual Gawai Dayak holiday. On September 7, she participated in The Sounds of Borneo, a concert with the Malaysian Symphony Orchestra featuring solo artists such as Murang, Velvet Aduk, and Marsha Milan.

In 2025, during the launching of Sarawak Biodiversity Policy Statement and Master Plan, she was appointed as Sarawak's Biodiversity Ambassador. At the Expo 2025, Alena is featured as one of Malaysia's iconic figures at the Malaysia Pavilion.

Discography Studio albums Flight (EP) (2016) Sky Songs (2021)

Singles Singles Year Title Notes2022"Many Tomorrows" The song and music video is a collaboration with the Society for Cancer Advocacy and Awareness Kuching (SCAN) in conjunction with World Cancer Day.2025"Borneo Rain" The song was recorded in Kelabit, Malay and instrumental versions, and was released in time for the International Mother Earth Day."Jaga Alam" The song was released in connection with World Biodiversity Day and the Gawai Dayak festivities.2026"Sekunuh Kamih" The song is a tribute to the oral traditions of the Kelabit people of Borneo. Spanning three generations, the track features rare 1980s cassette recordings of Alena’s family alongside ancient warrior epics.

Collaboration Year Title Artist(s) Album 2024"War Cry"Marsha Milan and Velvet AdukSingle "Bejugit Betanda Menari"Velvet AdukSingle "Anun Bala"Sauljaljui, Mathew Ngau JauSingle

Concerts, showcases and tours Solo Live in Kuala Lumpur : Alena Murang Sky Songs, Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC), Petaling Jaya (2023)

As headliner Pentas Seni Merdeka: Muzik Dan Tarian Borneo Malaysia, Jalan Raja, Kuala Lumpur (2022) Sounds of Borneo (with Marsha Milan and Velvet Aduk, accompanied by Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra), Petronas Philharmonic Hall, Kuala Lumpur (2024) Borneo Beatz Live in KL (in conjunction with the Borneo Native Festival 2025), Pasar Seni, Kuala Lumpur (2025) The Crocker Range Festival, Dataran Keningau, Keningau (2025)

As supporting act Rainforest World Music Festival, Sarawak Cultural Village, Kuching (2016, 2021, 2022, 2024) The Roar for Life Virtual Concert, Virtual (2020) 2021 World Music Festival @Taiwan, Taipei Dajia Riverside Park, Taiwan (2021) Te Aratini: Festival of Indigenous and Tribal People, Dubai Expo, United Arab Emirates (2021) OH!Tenang with Alena Murang, Gurney Plaza, Penang (2024) ESTRANGED Apa Khabar Teman?, Persada Johor International Convention Centre, Johor (2024) Ombak Festival, Desaru Coast, Johor (2024)

Filmography

Awards and accolades