In conversation with Alena Murang: On reshaping narratives around culture and advocacy through storytelling & the sape’

In conversation with Alena Murang: On reshaping narratives around culture and advocacy through storytelling & the sape’

In lieu of Earth day 2026, I chatted with an artist I have always admired - Sarawakian advocate, educator and musician Alena Murang [https://www.instagram.com/alenamurang?igsh=dzE1ZXZ5NWN4Mzhs]. A tireless champion for keeping the stories and sounds of Sarawak alive, her unique position as a third culture kid and the world’s first female Sapek performer have made her a storyteller who effortlessly straddles the intersection between feminism, environmentalism and activism. While this was meant to be a written interview only, Alena’s answers were too interesting not to share, so please enjoy this companion episode with her unedited answers.Read the full feature on Asian Pop Weekly [Www.asianpopweekly.com] and enjoy our chat with Alena~ ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Peace, Love & Unity: The Musical History & Legacy of Khalil Fong 方大同

While best known for sweet love songs crafted in the soul and R&B genres such as “Love Song”, “Love Love Love 爱爱爱”, “Special Person 特别的人” and “Three Person Tour 三人遊” which caused sensations in the early to mid 2000s for their ability to introduce creativity and new genres into a ballad-heavy market, Khalil Fong 方大同 was an artist’s artist and a musicians’ musician who championed authenticity, a stoic reverence towards his craft and ethical living consistently in his work. Going deep on the singer-songwriter's legacy, philosophy and musical genius complete with soundbites from previous interviews and an analysis of his complete discography, we look at the lasting influence Fong has made on the Mandarin music world. Narrated by Jocelle Koh Missing Khalil as much as we are? 'The Dreamer' is now available in CD and Vinyl format on Taobao [https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?ft=t&id=896243318554&skuId=5855498769523]. Officially available for Hong Kong and Taiwanese audiences with access to Taobao, but it worked for us to order to Singapore too! Get your copy and support Khalil's legacy here: https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?ft=t&id=896243318554&skuId=5855498769523 [https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?ft=t&id=896243318554&skuId=5855498769523] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Asian Pop Weekly Reads: [Album Review] Khalil Fong 方大同 - The Dreamer 夢想家

“The Dreamers” is a masterclass in artistic integrity and a masterpiece in execution. An organic coalescing of Mandopop legend Khalil Fong’s hopes and dreams and the final album released prior to his passing, the album is akin to sketches in a sketchbook. Here, Fong promised no answers, but allowed his imagination to run free; intermingling Jazzy/ bluesy/soulful rhythms with unique, never-before-explored textures, samples and genre-bending combinations whilst using only the most accessible of instruments. The result was these ten tracks, which provide us rare insight into one of Mandopop’s most brilliant minds in his most untampered state.  Narrated by Jocelle Koh Read the article: https://asianpopweekly.com/front-page-banner/album-review-khalil-fong-方大同-the-dreamer-夢想家/ [https://asianpopweekly.com/?p=8834] Missing Khalil as much as we are? 'The Dreamer' is now available in CD and Vinyl format on Taobao [https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?ft=t&id=896243318554&skuId=5855498769523] (Officially available for Hong Kong and Taiwanese audiences) ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.