Matthew Ngau Jau is an accomplished ‘sape’ musician having learnt the
instrument from his childhood at Long Semiyang, Ulu Baram. After his school
education, and having pursued a career in teaching, Ngau Jau came under
the tutelage of the late Tusau Padan, a master sape musician and artist.
LAN-E-TUYANG (meaning among friends) is a sape music band formed by
Matthew. Since the death of Tusau Padan, Matthew has taken over his
mantle to promote the art of sape music and also the art of painting
Kenyah traditional motifs on bark. He is also an expert in the Orang-Ulu
warrior dance and is an accomplished blow-pipe exponent. Combining
all these skills, Matthew is much sought after to promote the traditional arts
of Sarawak. Together with his uncle, Uchau Bilung, the duo has performed
in many international concerts, and tourism promotions in Europe, Australia
and Asia.