The Kadazan-Dusun people are an ethnic group indigenous to the state of Sabah in Malaysia. They have a rich cultural heritage and have contributed significantly to various fields. Here is a list of 10 famous people from the Kadazan-Dusun ethnic group:
- Tun Fuad Stephens – He was the first Chief Minister of Sabah and played a crucial role in the formation of Malaysia.
- Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan – A prominent politician and former Chief Minister of Sabah, he is known for his advocacy of indigenous rights.
- Datuk Seri Panglima Lajim Ukin – He is a prominent Malay politician from Sabah and has held several ministerial positions in the government.
- Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal – Currently the Chief Minister of Sabah, he has been involved in politics for several decades and is known for his commitment to the welfare of the Kadazan-Dusun people.
- Tun Salleh Sulong – A renowned lawyer and jurist, he served as the Chief Justice of Malaysia from 1984 to 1988.
- Tun Mohd Hamdan Sheikh Tahir – Known for his contributions to education, he served as the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sabah and played a significant role in the development of the institution.
- Joey Ayala – A popular Filipino musician, Joey Ayala is of Kadazan-Dusun descent and has integrated indigenous music into his work.
- Datuk Victor Paul – A well-known artist, Datuk Victor Paul’s paintings often depict traditional Kadazan-Dusun culture and landscapes.
- Jasmine Leong – A talented singer and songwriter, Jasmine Leong has gained popularity both in Malaysia and internationally.
- Rio Kunz – A professional mixed martial artist, Rio Kunz has represented Malaysia in various international competitions.
These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have played a vital role in representing and promoting the Kadazan-Dusun ethnic group both within Malaysia and abroad.
Most Famous Kadazan-Dusun Celebrities
Here are some famous celebrities who hail from Kadazan-Dusun roots:
- Tyra Kadazan – Tyra Kadazan is a popular Kadazan-Dusun singer and actress from Sabah, Malaysia. She gained fame with her hit songs sung in the Kadazan language, showcasing her cultural heritage.
- Razif Hashim – Razif Hashim is a renowned sports commentator and presenter from Malaysia. Born to a Kadazan-Dusun father, he has made a name for himself in the sports industry, particularly in football.
- Patricia K. – Patricia K. is a well-known singer and songwriter hailing from Kadazan-Dusun heritage. She has managed to blend traditional Kadazan-Dusun music with contemporary elements, captivating audiences with her unique musical style.
- Bonifacio Murut – Bonifacio Murut is a Kadazan-Dusun actor and filmmaker from Sabah, Malaysia. He has starred in several films that focus on indigenous cultures, promoting their preservation and recognition.
- Jaclyn Victor – Jaclyn Victor is a popular Malaysian singer who rose to fame after winning the first season of Malaysian Idol. Although she is of mixed heritage, her Kadazan-Dusun roots have played a significant role in her music, incorporating traditional elements into her songs.
These celebrities have not only achieved success in their respective fields but have also contributed to promoting and preserving their Kadazan-Dusun heritage through their work. Their talent and dedication serve as an inspiration to others, encouraging them to embrace and celebrate their cultural roots.
Discover an impressive lineup of celebrities with Kadazan-Dusun heritage in the aforementioned list. Embark on a journey to learn about their captivating cultural roots and extraordinary accomplishments. To stay well-informed about the latest celebrity happenings and stay up-to-date with renowned personalities from various spheres, don’t hesitate to explore the wealth of content available at Ancestry.com.
Factsheet About Kadazan-Dusun People
| Population | Approximately 1.3 million |
|---|---|
| Region | Sabah, Malaysia |
| Main Districts | Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Ranau, Tambunan, Tuaran, Kota Belud |
| Language | Kadazan-Dusun, Malay |
| Religion | Christianity, Islam, indigenous beliefs |
| Economy | Agriculture (rice, fruit, vegetable), handicrafts, tourism |
References to the Kadazan-Dusun Ethnic Group
Here are some references to dig deeper about the Kadazan-Dusun ethnic:
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“Kadazan-Dusun.” Ethnologue. SIL International, 2019. Web. 29 Nov. 2021. <https://www.ethnologue.com/language/kzj>
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“Kadazan People.” Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. GAMEO, n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2021. <https://gameo.org/index.php?title=Kadazan_People>
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Upali, Dionysius Darinsingh. The Kadazan-Dusun Language: A Concise Grammar and Dictionary. Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia: Ganang Press, 2010. Print.
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Rimbaria, Adrian J. The Heart of Borneo: Sabah’s Red Data Species. Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia: Natural History Publications (Borneo), 2011. Print.
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Hansell, Mary F. Animism: Respecting the Living World. Boston, MA: Pearson, 2009. Print.
