Int’l star KSHMR surprises Borderland Music Fest 2026 crowd with Malay-language animation, ‘Bekikis Bulu Betis’

The Malay-language animated storyline displayed on the giant screen during KSHMR’s headline set at Borderland Music Festival 2026 at Sarawak Cultural Village in Kuching on Sept 12, 2026. Photo credit: DayakDaily

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Sept 13: International EDM star KSHMR gave his Borderland Music Festival 2026 headline set a distinctly local touch with a continuing animated storyline presented entirely in Malay.

Taking over the main stage at Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) as the Day 2 headliner on Sept 12, the American DJ and producer delivered a high-energy set accompanied by an animated visual narrative that unfolded progressively throughout his performance.

Presented entirely in Malay, the evolving visuals added an unexpected local element to the performance by the internationally recognised DJ and producer.

The narrative developed alongside his music, with new sequences appearing as the set moved forward, giving the performance an audiovisual storytelling element beyond the usual concert visuals.

International EDM star KSHMR performs during the second night of Borderland Music Festival 2026 at Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) in Kuching on Sept 12, 2026. Photo credit: DayakDaily

KSHMR, whose real name is Niles Hollowell-Dhar, is an American DJ, producer and songwriter known for his cinematic approach to electronic music and productions spanning progressive house, electro house and other EDM styles.

He has performed at major electronic music festivals around the world and is known for tracks such as Secrets, Jammu and Wildcard, as well as collaborations and productions involving prominent names in the EDM scene.

But the Malay-language visuals were not the only local surprise in KSHMR’s set.

At another point during his performance, the DJ dropped Bekikis Bulu Betis, a familiar Sarawak song, into his EDM set.

The unexpected inclusion drew an enthusiastic response from festival-goers, adding a distinctly Sarawak moment to the international headliner’s performance.

A sea of music fans fills the grounds at Sarawak Cultural Village during Borderland Music Festival 2026 in Kuching on Sept 12, 2026. Photo credit: DayakDaily

KSHMR’s performance capped the second night of Borderland, which also featured Yibi and Lele in a back-to-back set, followed by Mia Q and Rad Kid, while Saqon, Scidz and Pandamax also performed together in a back-to-back set.

The night continued with Hades, Ezra Hazard, Tiger Burger & Friends, Jovynn and Juelz before KSHMR closed out the festival. — DayakDaily