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SAMAON
SULAIMAN
GAWAD SA MANLILIKHA NG BAYAN
(MARCH 3, 1953 - MAY 21, 2011)
BACKGROUND
Samaon Sulaiman, Born March 3, 1953. He received the National Living Treasure award. He is mostly known for his mastery of the indigenous ‘kutiyapi’ instrument. Sulaiman started learning how to play ‘kutiyapi’ from his uncle when he was 13 years old.
He was already recognized in Maganoy for his skills in playing the instrument and as a teacher By the time he was 35 years old. He was also a teacher to aspiring ‘kutiyapi’ practitioners. Sulaiman influenced other local experts like Esmael Ahmad, Bitul Sulaiman, Nguda Latip, and Ali Ahmad.
AWARD
Samaon Sulaiman was a GAMABA Awardee at 1993, He received the National Living Treasure award and is known for his mastery at the indigenous instrument called kutyapi.
THE Kutyapi and his excellence
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The kutyapi is a favorite solo instrument among both Muslim and non-Muslim Filipinos and is also played in combination with other instruments. It exists in a great variety of designs, shapes, and sizes and known by such names as kotapi (Subanon), fegereng (Tiruray), faglong (B’laan), hegelong (T’boli) and kuglong or kudlong (Manobo).
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Samaon Sulaiman achieved the highest level of excellence in the art of kutyapi playing. His extensive repertoire of dinaladay, linapu, minuna, binalig, and other forms and styles interpreted with refinement and sensitivity fully demonstrate and creative and expressive possibilities of his instrument.
Other Instruments
known as the kulintang, is a set of eight pitch-gradient bronze gongs with knobs. An antangan, a type of hardwood stand, holds it in place. To enable the sound to reverberate, the antangan is fastened to each gong by means of thin cables.
Kulintang
HIS Music AND PERFORMANCE
Samaon Sulaiman composed and performed traditional music rooted in the Maguindanaoan and Maranao cultures of the southern Philippines. Some of his well-known musical pieces include:
"Dansa" – A traditional Maguindanaoan piece often performed during weddings or celebrations. Samaon Sulaiman's version showcases his mastery of the kutyapi.
"Sinulog a Kamamatuan" – This is a traditional form of sinulog, a rhythmical dance music piece, also played on the kutyapi. His performances of this piece highlight intricate rhythms and cultural storytelling.
"Maguindanao Kulintang Music" – While Samaon Sulaiman was primarily known for his kutyapi performances, his music reflects and is sometimes played alongside the kulintang ensemble, a traditional form of Filipino gong music.