Sabahan song great writes to spread Kadazan culture
Published on: Sunday, May 26, 2024
By: Ricardo Unto
'I aim to enrich the Sabah ethnic music scene, particularly through Kadazan songs' - Joseph. The MBOR certificate to recognise Joseph’s achievement (right).
Kota Kinabalu: Joseph Loudin has carved a unique path in the musical domain, blending his passion for Kadazan culture with his tuneful talents.
Born and raised in Kampung Pinapa, Penampang, Joseph’s musical journey has taken him from the tranquil landscapes of his hometown to Mae Sot, Thailand, where he has resided for almost two decades.
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Beyond his role as a Christian religious teacher in Thailand, Joseph is also the driving force behind the Kadazan Kobion Legacy Centre (KKLC), a Kadazan-based non-governmental organisation (NGO) housed in the Asean secretariat office.
His contributions to Kadazan music are remarkable, as proven by his listing in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) for composing ‘The Most Ethnic Kadazan Songs By An Individual in Sabah RTM,’ totalling an impressive 129 songs.
Reflecting on his musical beginnings, Joseph recalls picking up a guitar and singing Gospel Christian songs in churches at the tender age of 12.
“I never had formal music training. It was all self-learning,” he said, highlighting his inborn musical talent and dedication to honing his craft.
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Among the artists who have profoundly influenced Joseph’s musical style are Indonesian composer and songwriter Ebiet G Ade and Spanish Christian singer Adrian Romero.
Their emotive compositions have left an unforgettable mark on Joseph’s approach to music-making, fuelling his passion for creating soul-stirring melodies.
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While Joseph dabbled in songwriting during his teenage years, it was not until early 2021 that he delved into music composition with renewed drive.
His inspiration stemmed from his realisation that few Kadazan song composers used classic Kadazan words, prompting him to fill this void with his creations.
The 129 songs he submitted to Sabah RTM were produced between 2021 and 2023.
They span various genres, including pop, sentimental tunes, jazz, and rap.
Notable among his compositions are five duet songs featuring collaborations with Eve Saimon, Carfester Mokujin, Peter Ginsu, Suga Minami, and his niece, 2017 Penampang Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan Shareene Francis, showcasing his versatility and ability to work harmoniously with other artists.
With over 150 songs in his repertoire, predominantly in the Kadazan language with a touch of Dusun and Malay, he remains committed to elevating the Kadazan language and culture through music.
Looking ahead, Jospeh’s ambitious goal is to surpass 200 songs by this year, a testament to his firm dedication and commitment to preserving and promoting Kadazan heritage.
“My mission is to make the Kadazan language widely recognised and celebrated, and music is one of the best ways to achieve that,” he stressed, summarising the essence of his musical journey.
Joseph’s melodies resonate not just within the confines of a song but across borders, uniting hearts and souls through the universal language of music.
His works can be watched and listened to via Joh Seer Production and Kadazan (Kobion) Legacy Centre channels on YouTube.
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