SANDAKAN: The lush rainforests of Sepilok reverberated with the sounds of swing and soul during the weekend as the fifth edition of Sepilok Jazz 2026 cemented its status as a premier international event for Sabah.
More than just a musical showcase, the festival is being heralded as a strategic asset to boost tourism in Sandakan while championing wildlife conservation and celebrating the state’s rich cultural tapestry.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin officially opened the two-night extravaganza at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), noting that the event’s growing international footprint is a significant win for the local economy.
“Events such as Sepilok Jazz not only enrich our cultural and artistic landscape but also contribute directly to the economy and tourism industry of Sandakan,” Jafry stated during his speech on Saturday. “I believe that Sepilok Jazz has tremendous potential to become one of Sabah’s important international tourism products.”
The festival, organized by FOSTER and helmed by its president Alexander Yee, delivered a stellar line-up featuring over 100 musicians from 18 bands. The bill was a mix of regional heavyweights and local legends, including Malaysian pop sensation Shila Amzah, Singaporean jazz icon Jeremy Monteiro, Italian vocal quartet Mezzotono, Indonesia’s nostalgic Class Act 80s, and homegrown Sabah talents like Roger Wang and Yap Ling.
Beyond the main stage, the festival is doubling down on education and mentorship. The “Bakat Sepilok Jazz” competition has grown to become Borneo’s largest jazz contest, surging from 85 participants in 2024 to 132 this year. This commitment to nurturing future talent was further highlighted by the three-day “Big Band. Big Bang!” Music Symposium and Mentorship Programme, which brought together 50 local students with mentors from Singapore’s JASSYO! (Jazz Association Youth Orchestra).
The programme culminated in a powerful joint performance by 80 musicians from Singapore and Sabah, underscoring the event’s role as a bridge for cross-border cultural exchange.
Sepilok Jazz also stays true to its environmental roots, using the platform to drive support for sea turtle conservation efforts at the Walai Penyu Conservation Park on Libaran Island, successfully aligning the rhythm of tourism with the heartbeat of environmental stewardship.
This year’s festival held added significance as a key feature of Sabah Fest 2026, a month-long celebration launched in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the Sabah Tourism Board. The festivities are extending beyond Kota Kinabalu to Kudat, Tawau, Kuala Lumpur, and Sandakan, supporting a total of 50 tourism, cultural, and community activities across the state.
In a special nod to local heritage, a Sabah Fest 2026 cultural performance featuring traditional dances was staged at Sepilok Jazz, blending the contemporary sounds of jazz with the ancient stories of Sabah’s diverse indigenous communities.
“Through this collaboration, we hope to showcase not only our music, but also the rich cultural diversity and heritage that make Sabah a unique destination,” Jafry added.
With its potent mix of international-calibre music, robust youth development, conservation advocacy, and vibrant cultural showcases, Sepilok Jazz is rapidly emerging as a signature event poised to draw visitors to Sandakan and strengthen Sabah’s reputation as a compelling year-round cultural and eco-tourism hub. – James Leong
Jafry (centre), with Alexander (2nd left), and others during the opening of Sepilok Jazz Festival 2026.
