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Jeffrey moots John Gaisah Memorial

Published on: Saturday, May 24, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 24, 2025 By: Johan Aziz Text Size: Jeffrey singing a song popularised by the late Gaisah when opening the stage performance in Tambunan. TAMBUNAN: Deputy Chief Minister 1, Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan fully supports a proposal to erect a Special Memorial for late singer Datuk John Gaisah in this district as a tribute to his services in the vocal arts. He said the legendary artist is still remembered by today's generation. According to him, Gaisah has contributed a lot, especially in the development of vocal arts in Sabah. 'If Elvis Presley can remain in the memories of tourists all over the world, why not our John Gaisah,' he said, and shared his nostalgia of singing Gaisah's songs with his family members when officiating the Pre-Kamaatan Open Stage in conjunction with the launch of the state-level Kaamatan Festival, here, recently. Jeffrey, who is also the Tambunan Assemblyman, believes that the existence of this Memorial can bring tourists to this district. The singer died in a car crash in 1984. He described the Kaamatan open stage as a platform to celebrate the state-level Kaamatan Festival in Tambunan, as well as opening up space for local vocal artists, including veteran artists in the district. Advertisement 'I suggest that this open stage be made a monthly event, or even held every weekend if possible as an entertainment attraction for the people and tourists to visit this district,' he said. Jeffrey, who is also State Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, said this is more meaningful. This stage is also seen as an initial step towards the construction of a Tambunan Cultural Arts Centre which will be a centre for documentation and developing artistic talents as well as recognition of local artistic legends. A total of 15 local artists in this district, contemporaries of Gaisah, have and enlivened the Pre-Kaamatan Open Stage performance, each of which performed songs sung and popularised by Gaisah for nine hours starting from 11am to 8pm. The artists were Geoffrey Ibun, Amandelina John, Babra Andreas, Eustasius John Jinuli, Gerald John, Helen Joseph, Anni John Jinuli, Elsie Mosi, Arnold Wances, Ambrose Poisil, Philipus Dani, Cecelia Sius, Robert Jimi Gonsupit, Harry Stephen and Rodney Samuel. Also entertaining the thousands were the Canang Borneo Buskers, Mix Band, Reedemix Blues, New Born Buskers and Blues Brothers. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Pra-Kaamatan Open Stage organiser, Applonius Jimi said that this programme was not only a platform to showcase local talent, but also functioned as a 'Mood Fishing' ahead of the main celebration of the Kaamatan Festival. He said there is need for a more suitable stage in future. He added that such programmes should be continued and diversified in content so that they continue to be an attraction for the public. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia