LEGENDARY: Francis delivers an energetic performance at The Club as part of the Kaamatan Festival celebration.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah legendary artist Datuk Francis Landong continues to electrify the local music scene in conjunction with the Kaamatan Festival celebrations currently taking place throughout the state since May 1.
Recognised as one of Sabah’s longest-standing music icons in the local entertainment industry since the 1980s, Francis remains actively performing to this day, continuing to shine as a timeless artistic gem untouched by the passage of time.
In conjunction with the 2026 Kaamatan Festival themed “Harvesting Unity, Celebrating Harmony”, his appearance at the “7 Minit Lagi” programme at The Club, Hilton Kota Kinabalu, recently became one of the most anticipated moments for local music fans.
He performed several hit songs including “Koupusan”, “Aramai Tih”, “Nung Noilaan Ku Daa”, “Pikir-Pikir Dulu” and a medley of “7 Minit Lagi”, which successfully brought The Club to life with his smooth, emotionally resonant yet relaxed and tradition-rooted vocals.
While interacting with the audience, Francis managed to keep the atmosphere lively right until the end of the event.
Joining Francis at The Club that night were MJ & The Vibez and DJ Syful.
Widely known as a local Sabah music icon, his popularity remains undeniable.
A day before appearing at The Club, he was in the district of Tongod — known as “The Heart of Sabah” due to its central geographical location in the state — in conjunction with the district-level Kaamatan Festival celebration officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Hj Noor.
The following day, Francis travelled to the interior district of Sook to entertain guests during the National-Level International Forest Day Celebration 2026.
A day later, he headed to Tambunan to fulfil an invitation for the district’s Kaamatan Festival celebration.
According to Francis, his schedule throughout May has been much busier compared to other months.
“I truly appreciate the invitation from Hilton tonight,” he said, while being enlivened by spontaneous reactions from visitors who joined in performing the Sumazau dance.
Awarded the state honour Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu (PGDK) in 2023, Francis has elevated Sabah music into a highly valuable cultural treasure and a source of pride for the Land Below the Wind.
