Uwang Ahadas
A Legendary Gamaba performer in the Filipino music scene Preserving Yakan Musical Heritage.
Uwang Ahadas: Preserving Yakan Musical Heritage
Early Life and Musical Passion:
Uwang Ahadas was born on February 15, 1945, in Lamitan, Basilan, Philippines. His early life was marked by a connection to his Yakan roots, deeply immersed in the musical traditions of his community. However, tragedy struck when Ahadas lost much of his eyesight at the tender age of five, a condition believed by locals to be a consequence of nature spirits dwelling in Bohe Libaken, a creek he frequented.
Musical Mastery and Legacy:
Despite his visual impairment, Ahadas displayed an innate talent for music. He, along with his siblings, was taught to play Yakan traditional instruments during his childhood. Starting with the gabbang, a bamboo instrument akin to a xylophone, he swiftly progressed to master the agung, traditionally played by Yakan men. By the age of 20, Ahadas had already mastered the kwintangan, a significant Yakan musical instrument, typically reserved for women. Additionally, he excelled in playing the tuntungan.
Preserving Tradition and Passing the Torch:
Uwang Ahadas became not only a master musician but also a dedicated teacher. He shared his knowledge and skills, not just with his own children, but with the wider community. His daughter Darna, inspired by her father’s teachings, followed in his footsteps, becoming a teacher of Yakan musical traditions herself. Ahadas’ influence extended beyond Lamitan, as he tirelessly promoted Yakan musical heritage to the world, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Recognition as a Gamaba Artist:
In the year 2000, Uwang Ahadas was rightfully acknowledged for his exceptional contributions. He was bestowed with the prestigious Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (Gamaba) Award by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. This esteemed recognition highlighted Ahadas’ dedication to preserving the unique musical legacy of the Yakan people, cementing his status as a National Living Treasure.
Legacy and Departure:
Uwang Ahadas’ life journey, marked by musical brilliance, resilience, and dedication, came to a peaceful close on October 29, 2022, at the age of 77. His legacy lives on through the melodies he mastered and the knowledge he imparted, ensuring that the Yakan musical traditions he cherished remain vibrant and alive in the hearts of future generations.
Music and Performance
The masterpiece created by Uwang Ahaw can be witnessed in the following videos. Additionally, it demonstrates how Uwang Ahaw created his instrument on his own and slowly taught his pupils, especially in the context of the Filipino music industry.
01
Kwintangan Kayu and Kulintang
Story and Origin
Five wooden logs are hung horizontally under a tree near a rice field to make kwintangan kayu.This instrument is used to serenade the palay (rice) plants from the seedling stage till harvest, varying in size with the shortest log at the bottom and the longest at the top and with tapered ends on one side onto which the melody is banged out. Kulintang was a name used to describe many types of music that make use of a gong as an instrument. Kwintangan is a Yakan tribe instrument that is mostly used in their music culture. It's incredible because kwintangan can have the same size but make a distinct tune, similar to a singing glass with a different volume of water. The song was created using the kulintang ensemble, which causes you to stand up and groove to it. Only 5 gongs are utilized in Uwang Ahadas case.
02
03
Gabbang
The gabbang, also known as the bamboo xylophone, is a bamboo-based musical instrument popular in the southern Philippines. The stick or beater used to play with it is also made of wood. It is often used as a solo instrument or in conjunction with the biola to accompany songs and dances among the Tausugs and Samas.
Music of the Mindanao
The music becomes increasingly appreciated because a kulintang is a highly prized instrument, and the song was intended to promote peace among youth. Mindanao traditional music includes estijaro, an ancient Muslim folk song and dance, and uruyan, a Mindanao folk song. Drums, gongs, or other percussion instruments such as the subing, a gong, are generally used to accompany these.
Awards received &
Status
Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan
Uwang Ahadas received the 'Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan' in the year 2000 for his efforts in preserving Yakan traditional music. This award, also known as the National Living Treasures Award, was established in April 1992 through Republic Act No. 7355. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (the Philippines' policy-making and coordinating organization for culture and the arts) is responsible for the administration and execution of the award.
Through this award, the NCCA searches for the most exceptional traditional artists in the country. They also put in place a program to guarantee the transmission of these artists' skills to others to preserve the tradition and culture, and work towards fostering a true sense of admiration and national pride in the exceptional talents of these Manlilikha ng Bayan among our people.
The logo of the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan features a stylized depiction of the human form, inspired by traditional cloth patterns. Beneath this motif, the words 'Manlilikha ng Bayan' are inscribed in the ancient Filipino script known as ‘Baybayin’.
The GAMABA artists represent our diverse heritage and cultural traditions that have become part of our national identity. They introduce us to customs, crafts, and ways of life that have been passed down through generations. They help us see who we are as Filipinos and what our nation could become if we stay true to our roots, just like these artists have remained faithful to their art.
STATUS
Unfortunately, Uwang Ahadas passed away on October 29, 2022, at the age of 77. However, for many years, he dedicated his life to teaching and passing down Yakan musical traditions to the younger Yakan generations, with the preservation of these traditions being his top priority. He also represented the Philippines in various countries, including Paris and Sweden, showcasing his remarkable skills despite his declining eyesight.