Buvazoi Tavantang Kaamatan competition now an annual Kaamatan event

Daily Express

18-05-2025

Published on: Sunday, May 18, 2025
Published on: Sun, May 18, 2025
By: Ricardo Unto Text Size: BTK 2024 winner Bonyvanture Hee with this year's contestants. Kota Kinabalu: Buvazoi Tavantang Kaamatan (BTK) has marked a milestone in the history of its organisation as it officially becomes a permanent annual event under the State-level Kaamatan Festival's main committee. Organising chairman Casey Jovial said this year's 18th edition of the BTK competition stands as a landmark not only in terms of longevity but in terms of cultural recognition and State-level endorsement.
Advertisement He said the recognition symbolises not just the institutional growth of BTK but also the collective efforts of districts and communities that have upheld the values of male cultural identity in Kadazan Dusun Murut (KDM) society. Speaking at the official registration for 49 district, sub-district and KDCA branch representatives vying for the 2025 BTK crown, Casey welcomed the participants and reminded them that reaching this stage already meant they were the best representatives of their respective districts. 'You have already won in the early phase of this cultural journey,' he told them, praising their dedication and perseverance in embracing traditional values of leadership and service. He said BTK is not merely a competition for crowning a stage winner, but a cultural platform that reflects the traditional role of men as community leaders who are courageous and self-sacrificing.
Advertisement Citing the KDM legend of Huminodun, he said the story's core values - bravery, emotional strength and responsibility - form the essence of BTK's mission to revive and honour these traits in today's youth. He expressed deepest gratitude to Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan, also State Kaamatan organising chairman, for being the first senior leader to truly listen to the voices of young people seeking to revitalise male cultural heritage. 'Datuk Seri Jeffrey was serious when we spoke,' he said, noting how important it is for youth-led movements to receive genuine support from political leaders. Casey also credited Sabah Cultural Board General Manager Mackey Apison, among the earliest institutional supporters of BTK since 2021, for lending credibility to the competition's cultural importance. He said BTK has grown beyond a contest into a movement that promotes unity and becomes a learning ground for rediscovering and dignifying the values of masculinity within the KDM community. 'The presence of you all - contestants, managers, cultural leaders - proves that this heritage still matters to us and is worth defending,' he said. Yet, Casey acknowledged that much remains to be done to document and deepen understanding of male cultural practices, particularly in traditional attire, storytelling and historical narrative. He urged everyone present to take ownership of this mission, declaring: 'If not us, then who? If not now, then when?' He reminded the participants that though their actions may seem small today, they may become the catalyst for safeguarding and restoring heritage for future generations. 'We cannot let this culture disappear simply because we were too silent or too busy,' he stressed, highlighting the urgency of the cause. He told the 49 participants that they are not merely competing but continuing a cultural struggle for recognition and representation. 'You are the torchbearers for future generations who must know that KDM men are not mere spectators during festivals, but value-bearers, thinkers and leaders,' he said. Casey also announced that several awards will again be presented this year to honour contributions behind the scenes, including the Manifesto Award for past winners who completed post-victory assignments, Best Music Contribution, Best Manager and Best District-Level Organiser. He said two new award categories will also be introduced during the grand finale, but remained tight-lipped about the details. From Sunday, he said, official BTK activities will begin at a local shopping mall before the contestants embark on an intensive five-day, four-night programme at the Sabah Cultural Village in Nuluhon Garden, Inanam. He described the camp as a place where the contestants' spirit, knowledge and identity will be put to the test in a setting designed to mould character and deepen self-awareness. 'This is not an easy journey, but I believe each of you has what it takes to see it through with honour,' he said. He encouraged them to see the experience not as a burden but as a transformative process that will shape their sense of self and strengthen their cultural roots. He reminded the finalists that only one would be crowned at the KDCA Hall on May 29, but all would be remembered as part of a powerful resurgence in Sabah's male cultural awakening. Casey urged them to make the 12-day journey meaningful, not just for themselves, but for their culture and the future of KDM heritage. 'We are one big family under Buvazoi Tavantang Kaamatan,' he said. This year's winner will take home prizes worth approximately RM100,000, including cash, a special 'siga' (traditional Kadazan Dusun headgear), and other sponsored items. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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