ALENA MURANG (b. 1989, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia) is a distinguished artist of Dayak Kelabit heritage. She is renowned for her multifaceted contributions as a singer-songwriter, sape’ player, visual artist, and cultural advocate. Her work breathes contemporary life into traditional art forms, preserving heritage and connecting with modern audiences.

Murang is among the first women to professionally play the sape’, the traditional lute of Borneo, an instrument once reserved for male healers. She began learning the sape’ at the age of 10 under the mentorship of master musician Mathew Ngau Jau. Performing in the endangered Kelabit and Kenyah languages, she has taken her music to over 20 countries, including Iceland, Australia, Thailand, and the United States.

Beyond music, Murang is a visual artist whose work is profoundly shaped by her heritage. Her pieces have been exhibited in Taiwan, Kuching, and Kuala Lumpur, showcasing the narratives and aesthetics of her roots. She is also a co-founder of Kanid Studio, an initiative that leverages art and music to promote positive social impact, guided by indigenous community values.

Her commitment to cultural preservation has garnered her international recognition. Her music videos have won prestigious awards, including the Best Styling Award at the Buenos Aires Music Video Festival (2020) for "Midang Midang" and both Best Music Video and Best Ethnographic Film at the New York International Film Awards (2021) for "Warrior Spirit."

Through her artistry, Alena Murang remains a crucial link between the past and the present, ensuring that the voices, traditions, and spirit of her ancestors stay alive and relevant in today’s world.

More of her work may be discovered on Alena’s website and IG Account.