Music has always been an integral part of cultural practices, and many traditional instruments still remain relevant today. So, according to Alena Murang, Bornean Sape Player, singer-songwriter and educator, calling them “traditional instruments” might not always be accurate.

Meet Mathew Ngau Jau, a Sape master from the Orang Ulu tribe in the Borneo rainforest who has dedicated his life’s work to the Sape, a traditional lute-like instrument from his native home. A long time Sape maker and player, Mathew is renowned for his mastery of the Sape, teaching and inspiring generations of Sape artists. He is admired not just for his technical ability on the Sape, but also as a cultural leader of his tribe and music ambassador in Borneo.

The music of the Borneo island, located off the coast of Malaysia, is as diverse and vibrant as its jungle environment. From instruments like the Sape, a lute with between four to eight strings , to choirs that convey stories through tribal song, every captivating note is a window into this beautiful corner of the world. Passed down through generations in isolated tribal communities, the traditional instruments and melodies become increasingly engrossing as they travel through verdant forests, past remote villages and across sublime islands.

Meet instrument-collector, multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer Alberto Palomo. He has been collecting Prehispanic instruments for many years and has amassed a large collection of instruments, including drums, flutes, and conch shells, all of which he uses in his music.

Meet Edilberto “Dili” Tzab, Yucatecan trovador, and educator of trova music. Maestro Dili has been performing and teaching trova music for over 30 years. Trova is a style of music that originated in Cuba in the 19th century and is known for its romantic lyrics, meant to serenade your lover. In addition to performing, Dili is also a teacher of trova music and its history.

When Jonas and Noor were invited to join a Mayan family in a small town in the Yucatan for the traditional dish of Relleno Negro, they knew it would be an experience they would never forget. The customs and traditions of the Mayans are very different from anything Jonas and Noor had ever experienced, but they quickly felt a connection to the people and the culture.

Prehispanic Mayan Instruments are more than just music to Alberto Palomo. They are a connection to the ancient past, a way to explore and connect with the cultures that created them. Alberto is happy to share his knowledge and love of Prehispanic Instruments with others.

This performance on the rooftop of the “Palacio de la Musica” in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico was the true highlight of Jonas’ and Noor’s time in the Yucatan. Jonas wrote an arrangement for string orchestra and was lucky enough to be able to sing “Flor de Azahar”, a traditional yucatecan Trova song, as a duet with his Mentor Meastro Edilberto “Dili” Tzab.

This Ceremony is meant to call on the god Chaac, master of the rains, his favors and thus the milpa crops can develop and grow. It has been practiced by the Mayans in the Yucatan for thousands of years and is still practiced today. Guided by a Shaman, a Sac’be (white path) we are connecting with mother earth through the jungle.

Jonas sits down with Mentor Maestro Edilberto “Dili” Tzab in Motul, Yucatan, Mexico, to learn more about trova music, and hopefully play one of the romantic love songs of the area.