Sarawak-born singer-songwriter Alena Murang’s music video for her latest single ‘Warrior Spirit’ has garnered international recognition after bagging the awards for Best Asia and Pacific Music Video and Honourable Mention For Best Costume at this year’s International Music Video Awards (IMVA) held in Britain.

The music video, released on 27 May, was produced by the same team behind Murang’s award-winning 2019 music video ‘Midang Midang’ and depicts the ‘strength within’ her people came from a line of warriors and great heroes.

“My great great-great-grandfather Balang Nganud was a great warrior and the community called him ‘the Tiger that floats enemies’ heads downriver’,” commented the sape songstress in a recent statement.

(Photo Courtesy: Warrior Heart / Alena Murang)

Upon receiving the awards, the Dayak Kelabit-descent artist expressed her gratitude, stating she felt “incredibly proud of the whole team that put in their time and energy towards this music video” and that’s been a “rough period for people in film and music.”

“So it’s heart-warming not only for having created this music video, but also having received these international awards.”

The unique styling of ‘Warrior Heart’ is attributed to Murang’s cultural heritage, and working with Styllar and other Malaysian designers and craftswomen, including renowned make-up artist Gebriel Padan, really bring out the essence of these traditions.

“We wanted to showcase the beauty of our Bornean cultural heritage amplified by a fashion-forward aesthetic that speaks to the spirit of a modern warrior. I’m beyond ecstatic for the honourable mention from IMVA and I hope the world can appreciate the beauty of Borneo through this music video,” said Saerah Ridzuan, the stylist behind most of the star’s appearances.

Other than receiving accolades from the IMVA, the cinematic video is also a semi-finalist for Best Film at the 2021 Los Angeles Film Awards and chosen as an Official Selection at the New York International Film Awards.