Botibas (Part 4) - Variations

Written by H. Joplin Mosiun 

May 13, 2023

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The second variation of the botibas is popular in villages located in Penampang Proper, particularly in Kg. Nampasan and Tuavon which are situated by the Moyog river.

Kg. Nampasan's botibas is fast paced like Kg. Terawi and quite catchy. In this variation, a single beat is deployed on the first count of the hahambatan instead of the double beat such as in Kg. Tuavon's botibas. In 2005, this group was the overall champion in the magagung competition at Buhavan Square. They call themselves Turugan Mosundu. The following audio is them performing botibas in 2005.  

The third variation of the botibas is from Sugud. This variation shows some similarities to the Nampasan and Tuavon variations. According to Bisuil, this was an earlier variation of the botibas. Compared to the Nampasan variation, the kuukulimpoon in the Sugud botibas is missing a beat on the fourth count. 

Bisuil added, other than the lesser-known Sugud botibas, gong music from Papar were once common in Maang and Tombovo but their popularity died out. Unlike in Kinarut, both Papar and Penampang gong music are actively engaged during events. There may be other variations of the botibas in Kinarut and Kimanis as I have been told.