Blim Records with Yijia Tu and Rui Ribeiro at TED 2025
From April 7th to 11th, the Canadian city of Vancouver once again became a hub for global reflection as it hosted the latest edition of the TED Conference. This year’s theme, "Humanity Reimagined," brought together visionary thinkers, scientists, artists, and leaders from diverse fields to explore the future of humankind in an era of rapid digital and technological transformation.
The central question posed by the organizers—"What are humans for?"—resonated throughout the five-day event, sparking discussions filled with diverse perspectives and groundbreaking ideas. While TED is often associated with cutting-edge science and technology, this year’s program also made room for deeply personal and emotional narratives—like that of Yijia Tu, a London-based Chinese composer, who took the stage alongside Portuguese composer and Blim Records co-CEO Rui Ribeiro to share her vision of preserving and reconnecting with ancestral traditions. In a heartfelt and authentic talk, Yijia drew from her own life and family history to illustrate how cultural heritage shapes individual identity and strengthens our sense of belonging.
The Story of "Lullaby" and the Power of Oral Traditions
One of the most moving moments of the conference came when Yijia and Rui performed "Lullaby," a centuries-old cradle song passed down through generations of her family. The story behind the melody is profoundly touching: originally sung by Yijia’s great-grandmother, the song was nearly lost to time—until her grandmother, despite suffering from Alzheimer’s, unexpectedly recalled it in a moment brimming with emotion and significance.
Inspired by this rediscovery, Yijia worked with Rui Ribeiro to create a piano arrangement that would preserve the melody forever. Recorded shortly after her grandmother’s passing and released by Blim Records, the piece stands as a testament to the enduring power of oral traditions and music as vessels of memory and identity.
When "Lullaby" was performed on the TED stage before a global audience, it was met with overwhelming enthusiasm and applause, becoming one of the most celebrated moments of the conference. More than just a musical performance, it served as a poignant reminder of music’s ability to transcend generations, preserve stories, and touch the deepest parts of our humanity.
A TED Conference of Technology, Science, and Emotion
With over four decades of history, TED remains a premier platform for sharing ideas that inspire and challenge, blending science, art, technology, and social issues into a gathering of today’s brightest minds. This year, discussions on artificial intelligence and digital frontiers took center stage, featuring prominent voices like Sam Altman (CEO of OpenAI), Eric Schmidt (former Google CEO), and biologist Richard Dawkins.
Amid these forward-looking debates, Yijia Tu and Rui Ribeiro’s participation stood out as a powerful counterbalance—a reminder that innovation must walk hand in hand with memory, and that progress should never come at the cost of cultural identity. Their message underscored the importance of grounding human advancement in the values and traditions that define us.
Blim Records on the Global Stage
Blim Records’ presence at TED 2025 reinforces its commitment to celebrating human stories through music and fostering projects that engage with the modern world while staying rooted in heritage. As both co-CEO and composer, Rui Ribeiro reflected on the significance of sharing the TED stage:
"I’m deeply grateful to have been part of Yijia’s inspiring talk. I’ve long admired her work and her way of thinking. In fact, we’ve spent over seven years collaborating on an album, which we expect to release next year. We took the TED stage on the final day, right after the much-anticipated Sam Altman (OpenAI), at a time when conversations were overwhelmingly dominated by AI… but our unwavering belief in music’s irreplaceable role in preserving what makes us human gave us a sense of mission. And when we heard the audience’s thunderous applause, we knew—without a doubt—that mission had been accomplished."
TED 2025 talks and performances, including Yijia Tu’s presentation, will be available online in the coming months via TED’s official YouTube channel and other digital platforms—an opportunity for those who missed the live event or wish to relive its most memorable moments.
At Blim Records, we continue to believe that music is a bridge connecting generations, geographies, and histories. Our participation in TED 2025 reflects our dedication to crafting projects that honor emotion, tradition, and cultural identity—always in dialogue with the contemporary world.
