Rinait Soundscapes

Rinait Soundscapes, a project by the Malaysian NGO Pertubuhan Kolektif Seni Budaya Sabah in partnership with the University of Manchester, EarthSonic and the British Council explores the traditional ecological knowledge of Sabah's Kadazandusun community through the ancient Rinait chants of Bobolian elders.

The unique language of these ritual chants carries understandings about rainforest plants and life not found in everyday speech. By combining sound recording, visual documentation, and ecological arts practice, the project connects Indigenous knowledge with environmental issues. This multi-sensory work helps pass on traditions to younger generations, while protecting these sacred soundscapes as an important part of cultural identity and resilience.

The single/EP will be released on EarthSonic and In Place of War's record label and a sound bank will be delivered to the Sounds Archive. An immersive installation will also be produced from this project and tour globally in 2027.

Project Outputs

Electronic music artist Natural Symphony will be travelling to Sabah as part of the project, capturing field recordings and footage on the ground to create brand new music with pioneering electronic music artist Paul Hartnoll (Orbital), inspired by the Rinait chants and rainforest soundscapes.

Their work will culminate in a single/EP release alongside the premiere of an immersive installation by visual artist Ben Sheppee, set to tour internationally in 2027. This music, along with the visual and audio footage gathered, will form the heart of the installation.

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