Modern house meets Indigenous Filipino sound on ‘Kalibutan’

Bangkok-based Singaporean artist Gifted Fire has unveiled ‘Kalibutan’, the inaugural chapter of his new album-slash-documentary series.

In this ambitious project, the artist immerses himself in the lives of indigenous artists, collaborating with them to create music that celebrates their culture while infusing it with contemporary sounds.

For the first edition, he travelled to El Nido, Palawan, to work with the Filipino ethno-tribal band KAWANGIS AlternaTRIBU. Together, they forged a sound that merges modern house music with the timeless sounds of traditional Filipino instruments.

“Kalibutan” (Filipino for "world" or "universe") embodies the spirit of cultural fusion, bringing together centuries-old traditions with today’s take on electronic music.

From the resonant gangsa (flat gongs) to the soulful kudyapi (two-string guitar), the hypnotic didgeridoo, and the cascading tones of the kulintang, these organic textures take centre stage across the album's seven tracks, weaving past and present into a seamless narrative.

‘Kalibutan’ offers a listening experience that’s both smooth and deeply evocative, with the traditional instrumentation commanding the spotlight. However, it’s the story and ethos behind the project that truly shine—a heartfelt exploration of cultural preservation and the often-overlooked intersection of heritage and innovation in music.

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Accompanying the album is a captivating YouTube mini-documentary that dives into the creative process behind ‘Kalibutan’.

The film showcases Gifted Fire’s journey and reflects on the significance of honouring Indigenous artistry while embracing the possibilities of modern production.

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Speaking on the experience, Gifted Fire told Mixmag Asia, “‘Kalibutan’ is about connecting cultures through the power of music. I’m fascinated by the exploration of traditional Filipino sounds and instruments, and my goal is to bring these rich, indigenous elements to a global audience.”

He continues, “Music, to me, is about connecting with people, expressing creativity, celebrating the fusion of old and new, and sharing the unique beauty of these traditions through a modern lens.”

Watch Gifted Fire and KAWANGIS AlternaTRIBU’s ‘Kalibutan’ below, and purchase the album here.

Henry Cooper is a Writer at Mixmag Asia. Follow him on Instagram.

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