SUMUKU

Sumuku is a project rooted in the traditional ecological knowledge of Sabah's Kadazandusun community in Malaysian Borneo, channelled through the ancient Rinait chants of Bobolian elders. Developed by Malaysian NGO Pertubuhan Kolektif Seni Budaya Sabah in partnership with the University of Manchester, EarthSonic, and the British Council, the project uses sound recording, visual documentation, and ecological arts practice to connect Indigenous knowledge with environmental issues. The sacred ritual chants carry understandings of rainforest plants and life not found in everyday speech, and the project works to pass these traditions to younger generations while protecting them as a vital part of cultural identity and resilience.

On the creative side, electronic artist Natural Symphony is travelling to Sabah to capture field recordings and footage, which will serve as source material for pioneering electronic musician Paul Hartnoll (Orbital) to compose new music inspired by the Rinait chants and rainforest soundscapes. The project will result in a single/EP release on the EarthSonic and In Place of War record label, a contribution to the EarthSonic Sounds Archive, and an immersive installation by visual artist Ben Sheppee set to premiere and tour internationally in 2027.