Beatbox Ray | Mongolian Beatbox & Jaw Harp Artist

Mongolian beatbox pioneer brings Mongolian jaw harp traditions and modern musical innovation to Europe

In November 2026, the Netherlands and Belgium will welcome one of Mongolia's most distinctive contemporary musicians. Beatbox Ray (Narandelger Byambaa) will visit the Netherlands and Belgium for a series of concerts, workshops and cultural exchange activities, organized by Altai.

Recognized as one of the pioneers of beatbox in Mongolia, Beatbox Ray has spent nearly two decades developing a unique musical language that blends modern beatbox with the rich traditions of Mongolian music. His performances combine rhythm, voice and electronics with authentic Mongolian instruments, including several types of jaw harps, creating a sound that is both deeply rooted in tradition and unmistakably contemporary.

A pioneer of Mongolian beatbox

When beatbox was still virtually unknown in Mongolia, Beatbox Ray became one of the artists who introduced the art form to the country. In 2008 he founded the Mongolian National Beatbox Association, helping to establish a new generation of Mongolian beatbox artists.

His musical interests, however, reach far beyond beatbox alone. Fascinated by the ancient traditions of Mongolian music, he immersed himself in the world of jaw harps, overtone singing techniques and traditional instruments. Today he is also the founder of the "Mongol Ugsaatan Khel Khuurchdiin Kholboo" (Association of Mongolian Ethnic Jaw Harp Players), an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Mongolia's rich jaw harp traditions. His work has earned him recognition both in Mongolia and abroad, including the prestigious title of Leading Cultural Worker of Mongolia.

More than a concert

Beatbox Ray's performances are not conventional concerts. They are explanatory performances in which music and storytelling go hand in hand. Audiences are introduced to the history of Mongolian jaw harps, their construction, playing techniques and cultural significance. Between musical pieces, Beatbox Ray explains how he developed his own artistic style, combining traditional Mongolian sounds with contemporary beatbox, looping and live electronics.

The result is an accessible performance that appeals to both world music audiences and people discovering Mongolian culture for the first time.

Workshops & Sound Journeys

Besides performing, education plays an important role throughout the tour. Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to play several traditional Mongolian jaw harps, including the iron jaw harp, bamboo jaw harp and Mongolian bow harp. The workshops conclude with a unique exploration of how traditional jaw harp techniques can be combined with modern beatbox rhythms.

Alongside the workshops, we will organize a number of intimate Sound Journeys. These immersive sessions invite participants to relax while Beatbox Ray creates evolving soundscapes using beatbox, Mongolian jaw harps, overtone singing techniques, and live looping. A unique opportunity to experience the power of sound and Mongolia's rich musical traditions in a deeply meditative setting.

Collaboration with Altai

The European visit is organized by Altai, the cultural center founded by Rowan Hartsuiker and Sarantungalag Myagmarsuren in the Netherlands.

Rowan has been involved with Mongolian music for nearly twenty years and has worked extensively to promote Mongolian performing arts throughout Europe through concerts, workshops, retreats and festivals. Since 2023, Rowan has been an official member of the "Association of Mongolian Ethnic Jaw Harp Players" and serves as its official representative in the Netherlands. Through this collaboration, Altai aims to strengthen cultural exchange between Mongolia and Europe while introducing authentic Mongolian jaw harp traditions to new audiences.