On August 6, Wonderfruit Festival announced the second phase of its programming, emphasizing musical talent from Southeast Asia alongside international acts. Taking place between December 11 to 15, the Thai festival, known for its sustainability-focused experiences, is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary at The Fields at Siam Country Club, Pattaya, solidifying its position as the region’s premier cross-cultural gathering.
This year’s musical programming doubles down on Wonderfruit’s commitment to showcasing Southeast Asian talent, with several Filipino artists making their debut — including British-Filipino electronic music producer Objekt, Malabon’s atmospheric dub reggae band Goodleaf, and DJ JAV/. Veteran dub producer and sound system engineer Red-i is also representing the Philippines, while festival residents Emel and Saint Guel, see their return to Wonderfruit’s Forbidden Fruit stage. They join a diverse bill that includes London post-punk group Vanishing Twin, house producer Theo Parrish, and a special DJ set from French funk artist FKJ. This anniversary edition also highlights Thailand’s traditional Molam music, pairing veteran practitioners with contemporary artists reinterpreting the genre.
Since 2014, Wonderfruit has hosted acts ranging from Brooklyn’s Yeasayer to Khaosiung’s Elephant Gym and Houston-based trio Khruangbin. But this year’s focus on regional talent underscores the festival’s growing role in developing a cohesive Southeast Asian music identity. The inclusion of multiple Filipino acts reflects Manila’s burgeoning position as a hub for experimental sounds within the region’s festival circuit.
