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KOTA KINABALU: SIA Borneo Band and Jazzeltone Mountain were crowned champions in the Student and Open categories respectively at the Lagu KITA – Celebrating Diversity Grand Finals held at the JKKN Auditorium on Sunday.

The event, Sabah’s first multicultural songwriting and live band competition, was organised by the Sabah Unity in Diversity Community Partners (SUIDCP) and the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu (RCKK), with support from the Ministry of National Unity and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah.

SIA Borneo Band won with “Tokou,” a unity-themed song featuring Kadazandusun, Iban, and Chinese elements. Jazzeltone Mountain took the top prize in the Open category with “Sabahku Warna Warni,” celebrating Sabah’s diversity and natural beauty. Both winners received cash prizes, studio recordings, and music video packages.

Other standout performances included Sirens with “Satu Hati, One Nation,” Jasper ft. Kill The Aries with “Kita,” and Symphony of Bayuz with their Bossa Nova-inspired “Semuanya Ada di Sabah.” The event also featured guest performances by Rimba Irama, Sanod Sundatang, and Sabahan vocalist Velvet Aduk.

National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang attended as guest of honour and commended the initiative as a creative platform for promoting unity among youth. The event also included a Best Traditional Costume Award.