Bagedai

Yunnan’s vibrant music scene has a new star: Bagedai. Their self-titled debut captures the raw energy of their performances and seamlessly blends traditional Wa music with modern elements of reggae. Featuring five powerful traditional female lead singers, Bagedai’s music evokes the ancestral spirit of an ancient Wa village celebration, resulting in a unique and touching sound. Recorded live, led by producer Sam Debell from Yunnan’s sonic collective Sea of Wood, the album highlights the band’s improvisational flair. It also features musicians from the band Sigangli, formed by the late Yunnan music icon A Mei. Having come from a remote small village, Ximeng, on the border between China and Myanmar, Bagedai fearlessly embrace their cultural roots and showcase their robust melodies and charming spirits of the Wa people. This album is a must-listen and is a defining record for Yunnan’s diverse musical heritage.