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This Spotlight is sponsored by Pepsi.
You wouldn't be wrong for thinking that the Harvest Festival (Gawai and Kaamatan) is all about tradition, balik kampung trips, and lots of open houses
And for years, Pepsi's Happy Gawai Kaamatan anthem has been part of the festive season across Sabah and Sarawak, reflecting the cultures, traditions and sense of togetherness that define this time of year through music. It first featured Ramles Walter and Dabra Sia, before returning as a refreshed, more contemporary version performed by Belle Sisoski, Mary Grace, and Rezza Shah.
This year, the popular celebration goes one step further with PEPSI FM – Dari Frekuensi ke Hati, Happy Gawai Kaamatan
It is a one-day radio collaboration that brings together stations across East Malaysia into one shared festive broadcast. Taking place on 21 May, ERA Sabah, ERA Sarawak, Cats FM and KupiKupi FM come together for a coordinated on-air celebration that turns the airwaves into one big festive space across both states.
Throughout the day, listeners can tune in to familiar voices, local dialects and real community stories, with stations in Sabah and Sarawak linking up in real time to keep the energy flowing across the broadcast.
Expect festive dedications, live shoutouts and spontaneous on-air moments that bring music, conversations and celebrations together, making the whole of Borneo feel like one connected festive party.
Alongside the radio activation, Pepsi is extending the celebration through a digital mini drama series titled Dua Budaya, Satu Nadi
The series follows Sunduan and Dayu, two individuals from different East Malaysian backgrounds whose connection starts to grow during the Harvest Festival season even though they are not exactly in the same kampung.
Set across Sabah and Sarawak, the story explores themes of distance, identity and connection within the context of Gawai and Kaamatan.
And somewhere between the music on air and the voices that come through the radio, there is a quiet reminder that stays with it
Sabah and Sarawak may celebrate Gawai and Kaamatan in their own ways, but the feeling behind them often sounds the same.
Through PEPSI FM, the airwaves become a shared space of festive voices and moments across Borneo.
Over the years, Pepsi has also stayed close to the festivities, helping bring them to life through KDCA Pesta Kaamatan sponsorships, village activations in Sarawak, and limited-edition cans designed by local artists featuring traditional East Malaysian motifs.
And this year, the celebration doesn't stop here!
So whether you're on-air with PEPSI FM or out and about during the season, don't be surprised if the festive energy finds you. Pepsi is pretty much everywhere the celebration is happening.
To catch more updates and festive moments, head over to Pepsi Malaysia's Facebook or Instagram.
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