Lafalian Records is a Franco–Timorese label dedicated not only to promoting music, but also to sharing the rich culture of Timor-Leste with the world. The story began in 2024, when the latest version of a new Timorese instrument, the Lafalian, was created. In Tetun, the language of Timor, ‘Lafalian’ is a combination of two words: lafaek, meaning ‘crocodile’, the national animal of Timor, and lian, meaning ‘voice’. Through this project, we aim to revive the voices of the ancestors melodies and traditions that are on the verge of being forgotten. Bringing them back into contemporary life while honoring their heritage.
Projects
Uma Berloik documentary
In the heart of Timor-Leste, a land where traditions are lived, danced, and passed down through generations… This documentary takes us on a journey to meet people with pride, whose music echoes as a sacred bond between the living, nature, and their ancestors. An immersive travel through rituals, songs, and ancient traditions, discovering a culture as deep as it is vibrant.
Matak Mailirin Mama Timor
We are promoting this band as part of a revival of Timorese traditional music. They aim to give new life to ancestral sounds while opening them to fresh interpretations. At the heart of this project is the Lafalian, a newly created instrument, making its very first appearance within an ensemble. This moment marks both a continuation of tradition and the beginning of something entirely new.”
Hananu Lian Dadolin
Hananu Lian Dadolin is a recording of three traditional songs from Timor-Leste, each carefully selected to showcase the richness of the country’s musical heritage. In this project, we have wanted to create a unique and distinctive sound for these pieces that, until now, have never been recorded. Our approach blends respect for tradition with a fresh, contemporary interpretation, aiming to bring these ancestral melodies to life for both local and international audiences.
