SARAWAK singer-songwriter and sape player Alena Murang celebrates Earth Day today with the release of her lilting tune, 'Pemung Jae (Trio Version)'.
The 35-year-old artiste said the track sung in the Kenyah language is about being with true friends under the moonlight by the river, which provides people with so much life.
Alena's songs draw from the Kelabit stories of her community.
"We are known as Orang Ulu because we come from 'ulu sungai', or headwaters. In my case, 'ulu' Sungai Baram.
"Rivers are so important for us, not just for resources and connectivity, but also as part of our identity.
"When we meet other Orang Ulu, we often identify ourselves by the name of our rivers," said the Kuching-born artiste, whose full name is Alena Ose' Murang.
Originally released in 2016 as part of her debut EP titled 'Flight', 'Pemung Jae' now has a new arrangement.
"This is a song that I've been playing for over 20 years. I feel that it has grown with me.
"This trio version was developed over two years with female musicians in my band, namely Simmy on keyboard and Yi Mann on guzheng," said Alena, who is also a visual artist.
The trio first performed the song while on tour in Taiwan as a university there requested for a trio setup. They have kept the trio lineup for performances in Malaysia and Canada.
The lyric video, which premieres today on Alena's YouTube page, showcases footage of her home that she filmed herself.
It captures the beauty and majesty of her kampung river in Long Peluan. It aims to prompt viewers to think about the importance of natural resources.
The original Kenyah folk song was passed on to Alena by Sarawakian traditional artiste and sape master Mathew Ngau Jau. She began studying under him when she started playing the sape at age 10.
One of the first women to play the Bornean lute instrument, Alena, who is of Kelabit, English and Italian descent, strives to promote Sarawakian culture through songs in endangered languages like Kelabit and Kenyah.
She has travelled the world to share her lilting and delicate music, performing at festivals in Australia, Iceland, the United States, the Czech Republic, Indonesia, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Italy and Germany.
Signed to Taiwanese independent record label Wind Music, Alena is also known for her interesting music videos depicting her heritage.
The music video for 'Warrior Spirit' won six awards, including Best Music Video, at the New York International Film Awards, International Music Video Awards, Rome International Movie Awards and the Special Jury Award at the Los Angeles Film Awards.
'Pemung Jae (Trio Version)' is now streaming on music platforms.