Abstract Here we explore ways in which the Indigenous Torwali community of Swat, north Pakistan, is working to renew and preserve its musical and dance traditions, and how Torwalis are using social media and online archives to share and popularise their performances, worldwide. Social activism is a motivator, but people also relish the fun created through instant online engagement. The methodology for the paper is to weave a narrative, using Indigenous storytelling by both Indigenous authors, one Torwali and one Ngarigu, Australian Indigenous, about their experiences with and knowledge of performance in the community.