We can all agree that some of Malaysia’s best celebrations happen when culture takes centre stage. In Sabah and Sarawak, Gawai and Kaamatan are more than just harvest festivals; they’re a time for family reunions, good food, music, dance, and traditions that continue to bring communities together year after year.
And this harvest season, the celebrations come with something extra special.
Carlsberg’s ‘Raikan Bersama Sabah & Sarawak 2026‘ celebrates the cultural pride of Borneo through ‘Rhythm of Harvest’ music video and film series inspired by its people!
Culture isn’t something that’s only celebrated during festive seasons; it lives on through the stories we tell and the traditions we pass down. Here’s how Carlsberg is bringing that spirit to life this harvest season:
Letting Sabah and Sarawak tell their own story
At its core, the campaign is built on a simple belief: celebrations bring people together. Through its “By Locals, For Locals” approach, Carlsberg is shining a spotlight on the lived experiences of people across Sabah and Sarawak. Because who better to tell stories about culture than the people who grew up with it?
The campaign comes to life through Rhythm of Harvest, a music video inspired by the spirit of Gawai and Kaamatan. But beyond the music, Carlsberg also wanted to spotlight the people behind the stories. That’s where People Behind The Rhythm comes in — a heartfelt three-part film series featuring Sabahan and Sarawakian creatives sharing their own connections to home.
Through the perspectives of a filmmaker, musician, and dancer, the series explores how culture continues to be expressed and carried forward through storytelling, music, and movement. Rather than simply joining in the festivities, Carlsberg aims to celebrate the voices of the communities themselves through film and storytelling.
A closer look at “People Behind the Rhythm”
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Sarah Lois Dorai, “People Behind The Rhythm” shines a spotlight on the people who continue to keep the culture of Sabah and Sarawak alive.
Through honest storytelling, music, and dance, it explores a powerful idea: heritage isn’t something left behind; it stays with us and shapes who we become.
Here’s how each story unfolds:
- Heart of Our Land: A connection that never leaves us
The first film, Heart of Our Land, sets the mood for the series. Narrated by Sarah Lois Dorai, it taps into a feeling many from Sabah and Sarawak know all too well: no matter how far life takes you, a part of home always stays with you.
Sometimes it’s just memories, familiar sounds, or small moments that stay with you over the years and quietly shape who you are. And that’s what this film captures: home isn’t just where you’re from, but something that stays with you, even when you’re somewhere else.
- Sounds of Our Land: Finding home through music
The second film, Sounds of Our Land, features Melina William, the lyricist behind Rhythm of Harvest. You know that feeling when a song comes on and suddenly you’re walking down memory lane? That’s exactly what this film taps into.
Music is one of the few forces that cuts across borders, cultures, and generations — felt before it’s even understood. It connects people to places, moments, and identities in ways words often can’t.
Through Melina’s journey, we’re reminded of how music can become a powerful thread connecting us to where we come from. A familiar melody, a rhythm from childhood, or even a sound that feels like home can resurface unexpectedly, shaping how we express ourselves and reconnect with our roots in new, evolving ways.
- Dances of Our Land: Where tradition meets self-expression
Rounding off the trilogy is Dances of Our Land, featuring Arthur Darren, one of the dancers behind Rhythm of Harvest. For Arthur, dance isn’t just movement; it’s how he stays close to where he comes from while still expressing who he is today.
The film looks at how traditional dance continues to live on in new ways, especially among younger people who are putting their own spin on it while still holding on to its roots. The steps might look different over time, but the meaning behind them doesn’t change. And through Arthur’s story, you get a sense of how culture moves along with the people who carry it.
Rather than simply showcasing culture, Carlsberg has created a platform for Sabahan and Sarawakian voices to share what heritage, identity, and home mean to them today through these stories. Together, the three stories reflect how culture continues to evolve through film, music and movement, while remaining deeply rooted in heritage and community.
Experience the heart of Sabah and Sarawak
While each film tells a different story, they all share one thing in common: a deep connection to heritage, identity, and home. This harvest season, Carlsberg celebrates with Sabah and Sarawak by inviting everyone to take a moment to appreciate not just the festivities, but also the people, stories, and traditions that continue to shape the spirit of Sabah and Sarawak today.
You can watch Heart of Our Land, Sounds of Our Land, and Dances of Our Land now on Carlsberg Malaysia’s Instagram and TikTok.
For more information, visit Carlsberg on their website, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
Disclaimer: For 21+ non-Muslims only. If you drink, don’t drive. #CarlsbergMY #CelebrateResponsibly #CarlsbergForSabah #CarlsbergForSarawak #BestWithCarlsberg
