He was conferred the title of Manlilikha ng Bayan in 1993 for keeping alive the Maguindanao kutyapi music.

In his delicate approach, Samaon Sulayman, maestro of the two-stringed lute, kutyapi (in Pilipino, kudyapi), persisted.

He was the global embodiment of Southeast Asia's historic musical legacy.

His performances astounded both local and international music specialists. 

He was an imam, preaching to locals, whether MILF-affiliated or not.