Samaon Sulaiman
Samaon Sulaiman
A folk music artist from Maganoy, Maguindanao. He achieved the highest level of excellence in playing Kutyapi. But aside from this, he is also known for playing the following instruments:
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Kulintang,
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Agong,
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Gandingan,
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Palendang,
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Tambul.
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Awarded the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Living Treasure) year 1993 for being keeping alive the Maguindanao Kutyapi music.
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He started playing when he was 13 years old, he was mentored by his uncle. At the age 35 he became the most acclaimed Kutyapi master and teacher of the instrument in Libutan and other barangays of Magonoy town.
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He is credited for influencing other local experts in his area such as Esmael Ahmad, Bitul Sulaiman, Nguda Latip, Ali Ahmad and Tukal Nanalon.
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For his exemplary artistry and dedication to his chosen instrument, for his unwavering commitment to the music of the kutyapi at a time when this instrument no longer exists in many parts of Mindanao, Samaon Sulaiman is worthy of emulation and the highest honors.
March 3, 1953 to May 21, 2011
National Living Treasure 1933
Samaon Sulaiman
What is a Kutyapi?
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A favorite solo instrument to both Muslim and non-Muslim Filipinos
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Played in combination with other instruments.
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Exist in a great variety of designs, shapes, and sizes.
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Considered to be one of the most demanding and difficult to master among any other Filipino traditional instruments.
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One of its two strings provide rhythmic drone, while the other string has a movable fret that allows melodies to be played in two sets of pentatonic scales. One containing semitones, the other containing none.
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It is rich in melody and rhythm
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Explores a wide range of timbres and sound phenomena
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Possesses a subtle and variable tuning system,
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Deeply poetic in inspiration
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It captivates through its intimate, meditative, almost mystical calm.
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It retains a quiet temper.
