It was learnt through oral history that the original Luga bloodline descended to Sumang anak Buhod, my father’s late mum. The Luga clan travelled from Bugau then moved to Tembawang Tampun, West Kalimantan of Borneo. They migrated to Semabang (now Gahat), only later to split into two sub-clans that resettled at Tesu and Seroban. Roughly in the 1900′s or maybe earlier, the Seroban splinter relocated further to Rayang. Long before the inception of the name “Rayang” it was earlier known as reyu(saliva) after a “salivating” rock that made the Rayang river.

Standing L-R: Stephen Naidi Gadug (bassist), Wilfred Saet Gadug (deceased) (lead guitar) , Francis Juwap Sungam (rhythm guitar)
Squatting: Nelson Nyampal Rangking (drummer)

Not in picture: Alban Apan Gadug (deceased) (main vocal), Stephen Duek (deceased) (2nd vocal), Edmund  Aten (guest vocal)

The etymology of the name “Luga” had influenced many new derivation such as Lugas, Luger, Gadluger etc. De Lugas, the rock and roll band was the brainchild or Asher Lugas’ granddad and his younger brother, Wilfred Saet (deceased). De Lugas is basically the plural form of the Luga’s clan. They were the hot band during their time which now remains a legend, survived by remaining three members. It is very unfortunate that the Bidayuh people were not yet introduced into audio-visual recording technology during their time. The remnants of their legacy, a lost tape of their live recording was only partially rescued from a fire tragedy that destroyed their entire collections. Despite of the poor sound quality due to partially fungus on tape and partially result of the fire, five of the remaining good tracks were successfully restored and remastered .

Listen here to one of their hit called “Amang Alui” (All rights reserved. No reproduction in any form allowed):

De Lugas – Amang Alui.mp3 – De Lugas

De Lugas – Amang Alui

Gatuh Mang Alui gatuh
Gatuh tingun dihan
Palui Mang Alui palui
Neun iju da atuh kadam

Chorus 1:
Bala dingan ku kidingah pilajar
Sama ra mpuan sama bilajar
Sama ra mpakat pilajar inya
Dapih da asat pidaan simua

Maan Mang Alui maan
Maan minan kasam
Palui Mang Alui palui
Tangan gagu da uwah payan

** solo **

Nyalak Mang Alui nyalak
Nyalak ngeban anak
Palui Mang Alui palui
Anak rangkai da atuh pentu

Chorus 2:
Bala dingan ku kita bilagu
Lagu bigenan ndi ati ndi awang
Aba ngilangkah amang dengan andu
Kita bilagu dengan senang awang

Kayuh Mang Alui kayuh
Ngayuh lanting tering
Palui Mang Alui palui
Nkabut asau da puun tering (2x)

Song/Lyrics: Stephen Naidi Gadug
Vocal: Alban Apan Gadug (deceased)
Lead Guitar: Wilfred Saet Gadug (deceased)
Rhythm: Francis Juwap Sungam
Bass: Stephen Naidi Gadug
Drum: Nelson Nyampal Rangking

And the bloodline continues with the birth of Asher Lugas!