Today, 31st of May, is the 'actual' day of Tadau Kaamatan – the Sabah annual Harvest Festival, which traditionally celebrated by the Kadus community.  To mark this special day, I initially planned to re-launch my instrumental of ‘Kotobian Tadau Tagayo’ (Welcoming the Big Day) – the official song for Tadau Kaamatan. But then, I changed my mind. How about something more freshly provocative?

A Sabahan friend sent me a ‘Dunglish’ (Dusun + English) song few weeks ago (mp3 format). It’s a hip-hop song (claimed to be the first Kadus song of this genre?), which integrates some element of modern rap with the beautifully melodious Taragang Rasuk (by late John Gaisah). And, to add more intentional twist, it also includes ‘rianit’ (Dusun ritual mantra) – recited at the end of song. “Throw Your Hands In The Air” (TYHITA) – that’s the title of the song, and the writer/singer calls himself Atama (real name: Andrew Ambrose Mudi).

Atama, in Kadus, literally means ‘not shy’ (dare to) – normally in a positive way. And yes, Atama really makes a bold statement with his daring attempt. TYHITA reportedly had caused some stirs among Kadus (presumably between the traditionalists and modernists). I’m quite conservative myself – but I can’t help liking this catchy tune. I think some parts of the song are grossly crude and raw (his gf is as sweet as candy, uh?), but its overall impact is genuinely pure. Ala-ala, suci dalam debu gitu. Oppps, am I being a sentimentalist? I love the strong “Dusunic aura” in it – especially the choice of words, and phrasing. Penuh dengan broken English (village melodies?) dan bunyi fonetik Kadus yang tipikal (e.g. 'tow' your hand in the air!). Some do sound/appear a bit weird, but of course they reflect reality. It’s a sign of sincerity and being unpretentious.

When I first came to Semenanjung Malaysia (pursuing my secondary education at a boarding school in Kedah, under the Yayasan Sabah's fund), I used to get ridiculed for my ‘thick Kadus accent’. Other students would laugh each time I opened my mouth. I couldn't help, but feeling sorry for myself and was being very self-conscious. For some years, yes, it did hurt my self-esteem and confidence – brutally! However, as times move on, I’ve gradually learned not only to be proud of my 'Kadus accent'; but most importantly, putting it in a good use.  Some people might still find ‘Kadus accent’ a bit odd and funny: but, it didn’t stop me from being a debate champion – both at the national and ASEAN levels. Oopss, riaklah pula. But the point is: why should we be apologetic for what we're naturally born with? We shouldn't.

Taragang Rasuk, arguably, one of Kadus classic anthems (in the same league with other evergreen songs – i.e. ‘Jambatan Tamparuli’,  ‘Miagal Oh Sinsing’, 'Kada Kosusah Gidi', etc). To revive the spirit of this highly-respected song with such an unconventional approach – you need more than just talents and guts. It surely demands a load of hearts and souls. Congrats to Atama! He certainly has what it takes. To all Sabahans, wherever you are (especially my fellow Kadusians) – kotobian dot tadau kamaatan. Let's all tow our hands in the air, mengikut irama 'sumayau' alunan sinding Atama...

Throw Your Hands In The Air
(by Atama featuring John Gaisah)

Muli ko nopo taragang rasuk
sumalam po laid doho
miruba kito do hari anam
moi kito intong do wayang

Let me start this rhyme with kopivosian
to the people of the world especially Asians
to the hiphop warriors of the Sabahan land
32 tribes of this headhunting clan

My name is ATAMA I’m the MC of the pack
prince of the land but I’m the King of the make
ready to flow I don’t cut any slack
anytime anywhere I’m ready to attack

Got this new sound and got this new beat
village melodies and rhythms of the street
Sumazau music is not obsolete
it takes hip hop to make it more complete

So come on everybody throw your hands in the air
do the Sumazau like you just don’t care
makes you feel good nothing else can compare
the name is ATAMA somebody say ahh, yeah!

Muli ko nopo taragang rasuk
sumalam po laid doho
miruba kito do hari anam
moi kito intong do wayang

Many search for glory and spend the last dime
in the game of the world which being poor is crime
somebody tell me how long is time
I waited ten years just to bust this rhyme

This is something old but just let me say
we gotta get together without no delay
your wish will come through if you kneel down and pray
pisompuruan is here to stay

Mirukut-rukut om miramai-ramai
that’s the tradition of my homies topinai
let us work it out together we can drink tapai
till the break of dawn till ampai- ampai

So come on everybody throw your hands in the air
do the Sumazau like you just don’t care
makes you feel good nothing else can compare
the name is ATAMA somebody says ahh, yeah!

Muli ko nopo taragang rasuk
sumalam po laid doho
miruba kito do hari anam
moi kito intong do wayang

Third verse is for my sumandak
beautiful and pure like glows of pearls
look so sexy cute and dandy (candy?)
taste so sweet like chocolates and candy

Once a year they gather for a day
celebrate the Huminodun on that day
this is the day of the great tadau
when the warriors select the Unduk Ngadau

But I send this one out to the late J.G
student of Tambunan Hill O.G
I dedicate this song to my Late Uncle John
his music lives on even when he is gone

So come on everybody throw your hands in the air
do the Sumazau like you just don’t care
makes you feel good nothing else can compare
the name is ATAMA somebody says ahh, yeah!

Muli ko nopo taragang rasuk
sumalam po laid doho
miruba kito do hari anam
moi kito intong do wayang