10-year-old sape prodigy Baptista Emmanuell shines at RWMF 2025, youngest to perform on main stage
Baptista and Korintus at RWMF 2025.
KUCHING (June 25): Ten-year-old Baptista Emmanuell Korintus made history over the weekend as the youngest sape player to perform on the main stage of the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF).
The SJK Chung Hua Batu 7 Primary 4 pupil took to the stage on the festival's third and final night, where he performed a solo piece of traditional sape music titled 'Leto Ngorek', before joining his group Manai Kuwai to accompany the Kancet Ajai Warrior Dance on sape.
The performance was part of a special showcase recommended by Sarawak Tourism Board chairman Datuk Dennis Ngau to intensify the atmosphere on the final night.
The dance was led by Baptista's father Korintus Leban.
Sharing the main stage that night with Buddha Beat featuring Sinaran Collective (Malaysia), Manhu (China), Tal Fry (India), Buluh Berkocak (Sarawak), La Chiva Gantiva (Colombia/Belgium), N'famady Kouyaté (Guinea/UK), and At Adau (Sarawak), Baptista stood out not only because of his age but also his captivating stage aura and traditional Orang Ulu attire from the Sekapan ethnic group.
Baptista was originally selected to represent Malaysia at the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Long Beach, California on July 15-24 after winning a medal at the Malaysia Championship of Performing Arts (MCOPA) auditions here in April.
Due to current safety concerns, the Malaysian team has decided to postpone its participation.
'If all goes well, the Malaysian team will rejoin the competition in 2026,' Korintus told The Borneo Post.
Despite the setback, Baptista remains optimistic.
'I believe everything happens for a reason. I'll keep learning and playing the sape,' he said.
His unique talent and humble personality have already drawn attention from established RWMF veterans such as At Adau and Jerry Kamit.
Baptista said he hopes to collaborate with them one day.
He also continues to perform with the group Ngelotak Danum — which means 'our presence is not to impress, but simply to contribute to the joy of the occasion'. Baptista Emmanuell Korintus lead RWMF 2025
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