Som Nativo Collection - Alok Institute

The Som Nativo Collection aims to showcase the musical culture of Brazil’s indigenous peoples and create a musical archive of their repertoire.

On April 19, 2024, the album The Future is Ancestral was released. It is a collaborative work between indigenous musicians from 8 Brazilian ethnic groups and Alok. The ethnic groups involved are Yawanawa, Huni Kuin, Kariri Xocó, Guarani, Guarani Mbya, Kaingang, Nhadewa, and Xakriabá.

In the latter half of 2024, the Collection will release seven new albums featuring dozens of traditional and contemporary songs from various ethnic groups, except the Xakriabá. These albums will showcase the original works of these peoples, without any fusion with Alok’s electronic music and signature as a music producer. The songs were recorded in a professional studio and are performed and/or composed by indigenous artists.

The project is a contribution from the Alok Institute to the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032). Music plays a vital role in the culture of indigenous peoples and is crucial for preserving their languages, many of which are unfortunately at risk of extinction. The lyrics are translated into Portuguese, Spanish, and English.

The albums will be accessible on streaming platforms, and all proceeds will go to the participating artists and/or communities.

Become a partner: We aim to release new albums every year for the next decade. To achieve this, we invite corporations, foundations, and individuals to join this project.

Get in touch to find out more at: Ancestors of the Future Fund

Partners: Loco Records and Altafonte

The Albums:

– Hiri Shubu Keneya Bari Bay – Mapu Huni Kuin / Huni Kuin People / Rio Branco – AC

Musicians: Mapu Huni Kuin, Mukani, Ixã, Pantani, Txa Txa Beru

– Saiti Kayahu / Yawanawa People / Mutum Village – Amazon – AC

Musicians: Rodrigues Jaminawa, Paulo Luiz Yawanawa, Geraldina Aristide Sobrinho, Luna Rosa Soriano Yawanawa, Kemenani Sobrinho Yawanawa, Andreia Sobrinho Yawanawa, Tuicuru Sobrinho Yawanawa, Alessandra Luiza Martins, Erica Batista Brasil Yawanawa, João Ferreira da Silva Sobrinho, Marcilio Yawanawa, Joaquim Luis Yawanawa (Tashka)*

– Cantos dos Encantos Kariri Xocó / Kariri Xocó People / Porto Real do Colégio – AL (in memory of Wyanã – Master of Songs).

Musicians: Gildeon Cruz Silva, Gilwanderson Nunes da Cruz, Wydiane Nunes Cruz, José Eudes de Oquena Geri, Kleberson Kaiwre Cruz, Gionan Nunes da Cruz, Gildson Nunes da Cruz, Juan Nunes da Cruz, Heverton Souza Suira

– Nhe’e Porã / Guarani Mbyá People / Parelheiros – SP

Musicians: Camila Pará, Mirim Duarte da Silva, Jeguaka Mirim da Silva (Owerá), Júcia Ará da Silva, Juninho Karay Mirim Duarte da Silva, Neuzilia Duarte

– Retomada / Brô MC’s / Guarani Kaiowá People / Campo Grande – MS

Musicians: Charlie Peixoto, Kelvin Peixoto, Clemersom Batista Veron, Bruno Veron

– Kaingang e Guarani Nhandewa / Kaingang People, Guarani Nhandewa People, and other members of the “Levante pela Terra” movement / Various origins

Musicians: Willian Henrique Campos, Solivan Fenen Candido, Isabel Gonzaga Semani, Romancil Gentil Creta, Tiago Mafar de Souza Nogueira, Marcio Andre Kokoj dos Santos, Uanderson Jacinto Camargo, Igor Awa Ninborndju Norato, Micael Eliabe Severino, Ricardo Pereira Costelao, Everton Lourenço, Izanoel Ny Fej Marcolino, Levi Marcondes Arthur, Jose Candido Camargo

– Kayraw Vimiûû / Rasu Yawanawa / Yawanawa People / Mutum Village – Amazon – AC

Musicians: Rasu Yawanawa, Tuata Yanawa, Anihu YAWANAWA, Kene tsãìni Yanawa, Kêmemaní Yawanawa, Turuyume Yawanawa.

“Nature speaks to us through the birds, the beings that live in the forest” (Mapu Huni)

“Since 1500, with the arrival of the Portuguese, there has been enormous prejudice against us, against indigenous peoples. They say that when an indigenous person uses rap, they have lost their culture. And when we proudly display our culture, they label the indigenous peoples as savage. But we will continue showing our culture, art, and technology, which is also our culture!” (Owerá MC).