Alena Murang Released Music Video For World Cancer Day
Sape’ singer-songwriter, Alena Murang has recently released a music video titled “Many Tomorrows” in collaboration with the Society for Cancer Advocacy and Awareness Kuching (SCAN) for this year’s World Cancer Day.
According to its recent press release, the idea for the song was sparked from the voices of people who face many barriers when it comes to proper cancer care, and it follows the notion that hope and conjoined voices will help fill the gaps in cancer care and treatments.
Lyricised by Alena herself, she aims to send a message that no matter your walk of life, no one will be left behind in this pursuit. The music composition was led by Jonathan Wong Ketshin and produced by Joshua Maran, and features the soothing sounds of the sape‘.
“Since I was young, I saw cancer all around me; my parents used to bring us to the children’s cancer ward in Sarawak General Hospital to play games and to sing songs; and many people near and dear to me, in the kampung and in the city, have gone or are going through the cancer fight. I know it’s not an easy road for both cancer fighters and for the people around them so when SCAN approached us for the collaboration, we wanted to be a part of it. I’m just one part of this collaboration of many people – the band & music production, the production crew & editor, SCAN, UICC, the dancers, the Sarawak Society for the deaf, those who submitted videos, and my team. As we always saw, great things can be achieved when we work together,” Alena Murang said.
The music video was directed by Alwyn Tay of Asa Esa Films, who shared that he felt extremely encouraged by the number of home video submissions received through members of the cancer societies in Sarawak and internationally. Featuring also dancers from Zephyr in Kuching, Sarawak and sign language from Sarawak Society for the Deaf.
Lyrics:
Across the river
seems so far away
beyond everything we know
there are days that feel like
the space is wide between
what we have and what we need
Stand on my shoulders
we’ll see beyond the mountains
No one will be left forgotten
From village to city to highland
My neighbour, my brother, my sister
We can build bridges together
Hope can erase our sorrows
We will see many tomorrows
“I hope the song can give comfort to those with cancer & to those that care for them; and I hope it opens conversations to the barriers to cancer care.” – Alena Murang.
We live for something
To see these barriers gone
To meet every brand new dawn
Stand on my shoulders
you’ll see beyond the mountains
Closing this gap so wide
I’ve got you by my side
We send our voices
to the powers above
What would you do for care & love?
No one will be left forgotten
From village to city to highland
My neighbour, my brother, my sister
We can build bridges together
Hope can erase our sorrows
We will see many tomorrows
Song Credits:
Produced by Joshua Maran
Mixed and Mastered by Ian Koren at Goldensound Studios
Lyrics by Alena Murang
Music by Jonathan Wong, Alena Murang, Joshua Maran and Herman Ramanado.
Vocals and Sape: Alena Murang
Backing Vocals: Joshua Maran
Guitars: Jonathan Wong and Joshua Maran
Bass guitar: Herman Ramanado
Drums: Joshua Maran
Percussion: Joshua Maran and Jonathan Wong
World Cancer Day was established on 4 February 2000 and is commemorated each year globally. The theme for World Cancer Day for the next 3 years (2022-2024) is “CLOSE THE CARE GAP”.
The Union for International Cancer Control’s (UICC)’s new World Cancer Day theme “Close the Care Gap” aims to increase understanding and resolving inequities in cancer care around the globe. SCAN in Kuching, Sarawak, a member of UICC, aim to be the voice for its patients.
Following the release of Many Tomorrows, merchandise (t-shirts and tote bags) will also be available for pre-order at Tandang Store as a joint effort from Alena and SCAN for awareness-raising, all profits go towards SCAN.
This is a music video produced in collaboration with Society for Cancer Advocacy & Awareness, Kuching (SCAN), Kanid Studio, and ASA ESA Films. Click here to watch Alena Murang’s Music Video.