The iconic Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) returns next month at the Sarawak Cultural Village (SVC), and is set to be a transformative celebration with the theme Evolution.
Brought by the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), the 27th edition of RWMF, from June 28-30, promises an immersive music experience, where sustainability intersects with the landscape of rainforest, empowering youths to come together in unison.
RWMF2024 attendees can indulge in the rhythm of world music while advocating responsible tourism as a way of fostering sustainable practices and protecting the environment.
In the festival lineup are 21 acts, made up of 68 international musicians from 14 countries across six continents together with 63 Malaysian artistes.
This exciting amalgamation of sounds and cultures promises a musical fusion like never before, showcasing the richness of global musical traditions in the heart of Sarawak.
All acts combined command a massive global fanbase of 12 million, comprising followers from Spotify and various social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, X and Facebook.
KITARO
Headlining RWMF2024 is Grammy and Golden Globe award-winner Kitaro, a Japanese recording artiste renowned for his groundbreaking electronic-instrumental music.
The Best of Kitaro Live will be coming to the RWMF for the first time to captivate audiences with his ethereal compositions and transport them on a musical journey like no other.
Kitaro won his Grammy in 2001 at the 43rd Grammy Awards for Best Album in the New Age category.
Alongside Kitaro, headlining at the RWMF this year from Peninsular Malaysia is none other than Datuk Zainalabidin, whose hit song 'Hijau' has continued to make waves for over three decades.
It was one of the first few songs in the country to be categorised under the genre of 'World Music' when the concept was still relatively new in Malaysia.
Zainalabidin has won multiple prestigious awards throughout his career, such as the Millennium Gold Award: Highest Award for Contribution to the Music Industry in 2002, Best Entertainer at the Seri Angkasa Award in 2004 and the Best Male Vocal in an Album ('Puteri' album) at the Music Industry Award.
Representing Sabah and Sarawak will be the latter's very own Belle Sisoski, who is well-known for using her creative platform to raise awareness about indigenous rights, as well as environmental and musical conservation in Sarawak.
This remarkable 18-year-old won second place in the 2022/23 Commonwealth Song Contest with her song 'Stop Your Games'. Connecting with the younger generation, she teaches them about Sarawak's traditional instruments through her music.
INTERNATIONAL ACTS
Coming all the way from Cuba is the Havana Social Club, a dynamic group of nine who hail from Cuba, Singapore, Venezuela, and the US. They share a deep love for Cuban and Latin music, serving as not just a band but also cultural ambassadors on a mission to illuminate Asia and beyond with the vibrant rhythms of Cuba.
Other international acts include Alright Mela Meets Santoo (Pakistan/France), Bourbon Lassi (Australia/Malaysia), Imarhan (Algeria/France), Krakatau Ethno (Indonesia), Nini (Taiwan/USA), Rizal Hadi and Folk (Indonesia), Rhythm Rebels Featuring Selonding Bali Aga (Indonesia), and Tribal Tide (Singapore).
Other Malaysian acts include The Borneo such as The Borneo Collective (Sarawak), Adrian G (Peninsular Malaysia), Alena Murang (Sarawak), Nisa Addina (Peninsular Malaysia), Salammusik (Peninsular Malaysia), The Colour of Sound's Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia), Tuni Sundatang (Sabah) and Zarul @OurBodySound (Peninsular Malaysia).
The Borneo Collective is a first-ever musical project, called the 'Soul of Sarawak', to be performed at RWMF2024, featuring Sarawak's masters of traditional instruments backed by an ensemble of world-class musicians from all over Malaysia.
WIN INCREDIBLE PRIZES
RWMF2024 ticket buyers are in for an exciting treat as they stand a chance to win incredible prizes worth more than RM100,000 by entering a skills contest and answering simple questions.
All Adult three-day pass buyers stand to win a Mitsubishi Triton 4X4 VGT AT Premium or an electric bike, the Ebixon Bold EV Bike, while Adult one-day pass buyers are eligible to win an electric bike.
For new ticket purchasers, the link to join the contest will be sent by Ticket2U.com via email together with their tickets.
Earlier ticket purchasers can access the contest either via RWMF.net or the Ticket2U ticketing platform.
The three-day pass for adults is priced at RM635, granting access to the entire weekend of festivities, while the one-day pass has a pre-sale price of RM283 and door sale at RM333.
Children aged 3-12 can join in the excitement with a one-day pass priced at RM80, while admission is free for children below the age of 3.
CULTURAL CELEBRATION
The RWMF has always been a beacon of cultural celebration, a vibrant tapestry of diverse musical traditions and a champion for the indigenous voice of the world. In this 27th edition, the festival is taking an important step forward.
With the Evolution of RWMF this year, it will transform into a dynamic platform that advocates sustainable practices in tourism and conservation, paving the way for the next 25 years of this festival.
For more information and ticket bookings, visit the official Rainforest World Music Festival 2024 website at www.rwmf.net. or the Ticket2U ticketing platform.