Supported by the British Council, Scottish musician RuMac is in India this week bringing the accordion to thousands of people at Hornbill festival, one of India’s largest cultural festivals
Originally from Ullapool, Ruairidh Maclean, a singer-songwriter who performs as RuMac, took to the main stage at the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland this week (Tuesday 02 December), where the United Kingdom is this year’s Country Partner for the festival.
RuMac’s performance at Hornbill marks his first visit to India. Following his festival appearance, he performed at the historic Tollygunge Club in Kolkata (Thursday, 4 December).
Nicknamed the “Festival of Festivals”, the 10-day Hornbill Festival is celebrating its 26th year and attracts thousands of visitors from around the world. It is India’s largest celebration of tribal heritage, with audiences given the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich traditions, music, and folklore of the Naga people.
RuMac began his solo set in front of a large projection of the Scottish flag, bringing a blend of traditional Scottish folk, Gaelic song, and a mix of genres to the Hornbill stage. Known for high-energy performances that move from traditional accordion playing to heavy rock, he has built a reputation as a unique live act that went down well with the large crowd.
RuMac said he felt proud to showcase Scottish culture internationally and saw parallels between Highland and Naga folk traditions, saying: ““I’m thrilled to be performing in India for the first time, in a part of theworld I’ve never had the chance to visit before.
“I didn’t know how the performance would go as the accordion is quite a weird instrument! but the crowd have made me feel at home and it was brilliant.
“I’m especially looking forward to my show in Kolkata and to bring a little bit of The Highlands of Scotland along with me; hopefully they’ll like what I do! Slàinte!”
Claire de Braekeleer, Director, British Council Scotland, said: “It’s been brilliant to follow RuMac’s journey to Nagaland for the Hornbill Festival, which is such a significant moment in the Indian cultural calendar.
“His performance shows how music can bridge cultures and continents and we’re proud to create platforms for Scottish musicians to find new global audiences.”
The British Council has brought UK artists to Hornbill in previous editions, with the festival creating opportunities for musicians to connect with audiences and experience the rich musical traditions of Nagaland, a region whose folk heritage resonates strongly with Scotland’s own.
The visit forms part of the British Council’s ongoing work to foster cultural connections between the UK and India, creating opportunities for artists from both regions to share their work and develop new collaborations.
It continues the British Council’s work, building connection, understanding and trust between people in the UK and overseas through arts and education.
