Semporna: The Igal dance, performed by the Bajau community of eastern Sabah during official ceremonies and festive events such as the annual Regatta Lepa in Semporna, is more than just a graceful form of art; it is a living symbol of heritage, culture, and dignity.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, many Bajau people master the Igal from childhood. One of its notable practitioners is 2012 Lepa Queen, Elina Jikanari, 42, who began learning the dance at the age of seven. Since earning her title 13 years ago, Elina has seen the Igal gain recognition beyond Semporna, particularly with Regatta Lepa’s inclusion in Sabah’s tourism calendar.

Elina, one of 23 Igal Queens through the festival, said performers traditionally wear black, yellow, or green kebaya outfits without beads or sequins. Their headpieces – known in the Bajau language as mahakuttak, ladjuk, and jabang – are complemented by ornate nail adornments called salung kuku, janggai, and solengkengkeng.

Meanwhile, Nur Aina Naziha Abdul Ghafor, 32, another Lepa Queen crowned in 2018, said the title carries the duty of promoting Igal and preserving Bajau traditions among younger generations. She also uses social media to share knowledge and raise awareness about Bajau culture.

Datu Sabri Datu Alawiddin, 33, winner of the 2024 Igal Lallah Dorongan (Best Male Dancer) title, said mastering the dance requires learning four key rhythms or titik – kuntau, tabawan, tarirai, and lellang. His passion for Igal began in primary school and led him to study dance at Sultan Idris Education University.

Meanwhile, Khalid M. Taib, chairman of the Semporna Bajau Arts, Welfare and Heritage Association, expressed hope that Semporna will one day have its own cultural hall to nurture Bajau arts and engage more youth in cultural activities.

Lepa Queen is the title given to the winner of the Regatta Lepa, a traditional water festival honouring the Bajau people’s seafaring heritage. The event, first held in 1962 as Tamu Besar Semporna, was revived in 1995 under the initiative of then Sabah Head of State Tun Sakaran Dandai, a native of Semporna.