These artists have embraced their cultural legacies by blending ancient instruments with modern techniques. The result is a contemporary sound with a traditional flavour that cannot be replicated with conventional musical instruments. Best of all, it resonates with both those familiar with their culture and individuals who appreciate innovative sounds.
What makes this genre-defying music extraordinary is its contrasts—imagine a Japanese shamisen paired with contemporary EDM, or the Filipino kulintang juxtaposed with jazz improvisation.
Join us on a journey of discovery and celebration by adding these remarkable musicians to your playlist:
Moyun
A virtuoso of the Chinese guzheng, Moyun reinterprets contemporary pop hits through her instrument. Her performances demonstrate how modern tunes played on traditional instruments can showcase the guzheng’s versatility to a global audience.
Beni Ninagawa
The shamisen, a three-stringed Japanese lute, finds a modern muse in Beni Ninagawa. Her approach melds traditional techniques with experimental and contemporary styles, captivating and inspiring a new generation of listeners.
Ak Dan Gwang Chil (ADG7)
This nine-piece ensemble marries Korea’s ancient folk sounds with modern pop. Utilising instruments like the gayageum (12-stringed zither) and janggu (slim-waisted drum), they create music that allows listeners to experience traditional melodies in a vibrant, modern context.
Susie Ibarra
Susie Ibarra’s innovative approach to the kulintang (a set of gong instruments) showcases its melodic potential. Her compositions blend Filipino heritage with avant-garde and experimental music, redefining the experience of traditional music.
Peni Candra Rini
Peni Candra Rini is a leading figure in modern Javanese gamelan (traditional percussion orchestra) music. Her innovative compositions combine the intricate rhythms of gamelan music with modern storytelling, offering a profound and immersive experience of Indonesia’s musical heritage.
Belle Sisoski
Hailing from Malaysia, 18-year-old Belle Sisoski’s exploration of ethnic instruments like the sompoton (bamboo mouth organ) and sape (two-stringed lute) brings a refreshing approach. Her music combines ambient and electronic influences, offering a new take on traditional sounds.
Korphai Ensemble
Renowned for their mastery of Thai instruments like the khong wong yai (16-gong circular bamboo instrument) and ranat ek (boat-shaped xylophone), Korphai Ensemble breathe new life into classical Thai music, blending traditional forms with contemporary arrangements to captivate modern audiences.
Jason Nguyen
Jason Nguyen has dedicated years to modernising the Vietnamese đàn bầu, a monochord instrument known for its emotive sound. By blending it with modern genres, he offers a unique perspective on Vietnam’s musical traditions.
If you’re looking to enhance your music experience, you’ll need high-quality speakers designed to deliver high-fidelity sound with precision. Featuring cutting-edge technology, KEF speakers come in a range of models to suit different budgets.
Passive Speakers
Recommended for:
Dedicated music rooms or audiophiles seeking a bespoke sound experience.
Key Features:
- Easily customisable with different amplifiers to achieve a specific sound profile.
- Room for scalability, as a passive setup can be upgraded piece by piece to create the best quality sound system.
- Cleaner audio that excels in presenting the subtleties of music, making it ideal for sound purists.
High-End | Mid-Range | Entry-Level | |
Model | Hand-built in the UK by KEF audio masters. The benchmark for sound reproduction. | Born from the iconic. The Reference speakers at a more accessible price point. | Q Series [NEW] The stepping stone into KEF’s HiFi speakers, offering quality and flexibility. |
Technology | ● 12th generation Uni-Q driver array ● Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) | ● 12th generation Uni-Q driver array ● Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) | ● 12th generation Uni-Q driver array ● Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) |
Mix & match versatility | 9 products | 7 products | 8 products |
Find My Retailer
Find out more about our award-winning models and book a demo at your nearest KEF retailer.
Curated Year-Round Programme
**This feature is not supported on Chrome for iOS devices.
Active Speakers
Recommended for:
Individuals who prioritise convenience and exceptional sound quality through multi-use speakers.
Key Features:
- Easy plug-and-play setup allows you to enjoy your favourite tunes in no time.
- Space-saving design makes them ideal for smaller areas.
- Integrated design ensures consistent sound quality without the need for fine-tuning.
High-End | Mid-Range | Entry-Level | |
Model | Super slim design with two pairs of Unit Core bass drivers. | All-in-one speaker system for great sound with no strings attached. | Compact cabinet speakers with balanced sound in higher resolution. Offers the same sound quality as LSX II, but at a price you’ll love. |
Technology | ● Uni-Q driver array ● Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) ● Uni-Core Force Cancelling Driver | ● Uni-Q driver array ● Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) ● Music Integrity Engine | ● Uni-Q driver array |
Frequency Range | 26Hz – 36kHz | 40Hz – 47kHz | 49Hz–47kHz |
Want even better sound? Upgrade your speakers with a KEF subwoofer. This enhances the low-frequency response, allowing you to experience deeper bass and fuller sound. This is particularly beneficial for music genres that rely heavily on bass, or for creating a richer sound when listening to traditional music on speakers.
