XAKALELE

Marvin Lalihatu (they/them) is a Moluccan-Dutch artist and composer from Rotterdam, NL. They received their degree in Music and Sound Design from The Rotterdam Academy of Pop Music before studying Electrical Engineering at the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. Combining these fields of study, their work explores modes of storytelling across sound, handmade synthesizers, technology, new media art and sculptures. Utilising sound as means to exceed the limits of language, their work is based on their experience as a biracial polyamorous neuroqueer in Rotterdam, stuck between a multitude of subcultures and social groups and the questions, emotions and confusion that arrived from their unique position therein. As part of Animistic Beliefs, Marvin Lalihatu has drawn inspiration from the rave, bubbling and ambient scenes as well as social anthropology, fashion, politics and new media art. Building on these experiences, they are now looking to expand their research and output as XAKALELE, focusing on their indigenous Moluccan heritage as well relationship anarchy and the vibrant melting pot of music scenes in The Netherlands and those far beyond Europe. Lalihatu has exhibited and performed work at institutions, venues and festivals internationally, such as TENT, Rotterdam; Rewire, The Hague and Traumabar und Kino, Berlin. Their work has also been featured in printed publications such as Borshch Magazine, KLAUW and Glamcult Magazine as well as a slew of online publications.