SANDAKAN: The Sepilok Jazz Festival has concluded, and the melodies that captivated eager audiences on September 4th and 5th now remain only as cherished memories. Yet, this is far from the end; it is merely the beginning of what promises to be an even more spectacular event next year.
Anticipation is already building for a festival brimming with more infectious rhythms, captivating performances, and the kind of musical brilliance that keeps fans on their feet and calling for encores. The success of this year’s festival, fifth in the presentation, has laid a strong foundation, and organisers are already planning to elevate the experience, ensuring that the next edition will be even more memorable for all who love jazz and community spirit.
The organising Chairman Alexander Yee shared his insights on the success and significance of the Sepilok Jazz Festival, emphasising its community roots and conservation message. He highlighted that the event attracted around 900 attendees, with a peak of 1,200, on the second day, showcasing strong local support. Yee noted that the festival has grown steadily since its inception, with last year’s attendance reaching over 2,000, and the goal to hit 3,500.
Although the original aim was to hit more than 3000 attendees, the presence of the crowds and the enthusiasm that they showed was very encouraging, especially during the performance of renown singer Shilla Amzah.
There were thoughts shared by attendees that if the concert was held in Sandakan Township, the response would be better as compared to Sepilok area.
Yee explained that the festival’s location in Sepilok was deliberate, aiming to leverage the area’s natural beauty and conservation efforts, particularly linked to turtle conservation. Yee stressed the importance of keeping the event in Sepilok to maintain its nature-based branding and community focus. He emphasised that the festival is not just about music but also about promoting eco-tourism and supporting local businesses like restaurants and accommodations.
Yee detailed the extensive planning process involved, including securing permits, venue arrangements, and artist selection, which took nearly a year. He expressed pride in the collaborative effort among government agencies, local businesses, and volunteers, illustrating that it truly takes a village to organize such an event.
Looking ahead, Yee envisions the festival as a platform for growth that remains true to its conservation roots. He advocated for building quality over quantity, suggesting that staying in Sepilok will better serve the event’s purpose. With support from international partners and local stakeholders, Yee is optimistic about the festival’s future, aiming to develop youth programs and expand its impact while preserving its core mission of conservation and community engagement.
The Sepilok Jazz Festival is an annual event launched in 2022, to raise awareness and funds for endangered sea turtles on Libaran Island. Yee is the president of Friends of Sea Turtles Education and Research (FOSTER ).-BNN
