KUCHING, 17 APRIL 2023: Ticket sales got off to a good start at the weekend for the upcoming Rainforest World Music Festival prompting the Sarawak Tourism Board to forecast more than 20,000 music lovers will attend the 23 to 25 June festival.
The annual festival organised by Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) will see musicians and fans of world music worldwide assembling for the 26th RWMF.
Ticket prices start with early bird purchases – Adult 1-Day Pass Fri/Sun (MYR190), Adult 1-Day Pass Sat (MYR220), Adult 2-Day Pass Fri + Sat / Sat + Sun (MYR360), Adult 3-Day Pass (MYR480), and Child 1-Day Pass Fri/Sat/Sun (MYR80). Tickets are available on the Klook platform, which is RWMF 2023’s official ticketing agent.
STB CEO Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor said: “STB anticipates 20,000 visitors with strong and enthusiastic returns from past and new participants to experience RWMF 2023. Do mark your calendars for 15 April, when the ticket sales for the event begin, as that will be the start of the early bird ticket sales. Take advantage of this opportunity and purchase your tickets at a discounted rate.”
The festival’s lineup will feature 199 musicians from 12 countries, from four continents, including Grammy Awards winner Gipsy Kings featuring Tonino Baliardo from France of such hits as ‘Djobi Djoba’ and ‘Bamboleo’ set to enthral visitors with their pop-oriented music, distantly derived from traditional flamenco and rumba genres.
An exciting lineup includes international performers ‘Big Mountain’ from Jamaica and the USA, best known for their smash hit “Baby I Love Your Way”, ‘Safi Theatre’ from Tanzania, ‘Rastak’ from Iran, ‘Fasylive’ from Maldives, ‘Afriquoi’ from the United Kingdom, ‘Chatusram’ from India, ‘Rizal Hadi & Folk’ from Indonesia and ‘Ethno Thai Fusion Sound Band‘ from Thailand. The lineup will also include performers from Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Local musical talents set to perform at RWMF 2023 include Zee Avi, Suk Binie, Aseana Percussion Unit, Nadir, Steve Thornton & Afroasia, Sada Borneo, Tuku Kame, Nading Rhapsody, Geng Wak Long, Buloh Bekocak, At Adau, Meruked, and Orang Orang Drum Theatre.
More info on the musical lineup and ticketing can be found on the Rainforest World Music Festival’s official website at https://rwmf.net/.
(Your Stories: Sarawak Tourism Board)
Letter to the editor — emailed direct to the editor on 26 April and posted on the writer’s behalf.
Making my way to Sarawak for Rainforest World Music Festival 2023
I was thrilled when I recently saw the announcement and promotion of the Rainforest World Music Festival 2023 on the news and social media. Witnessing Sarawak’s ability to host such a prestigious event is truly amazing. This festival is a testament to Malaysia’s commitment to promoting arts, culture, and tourism on a global stage, and Sarawak has proven itself to be a capable and enthusiastic host, showcasing its rich heritage and diverse music traditions to the world.
The Rainforest World Music Festival has become a highly anticipated event that brings together musicians and music lovers from different parts of the world to celebrate the universal language of music. I am particularly impressed by Malaysia’s ability to challenge misconceptions and stereotypes through events like RWMF.
As a city-born and raised individual, I had certain misconceptions about Sarawak and its people. However, my first and only trip to Kuching and my experience showed me the modernity and vibrancy of Sarawak, and how diverse and contemporary the lifestyle of Sarawakians is. It’s truly remarkable to see Sarawak’s commitment to promoting its rich cultural heritage and music traditions through events like RWMF.
The festival not only provides a platform for local and international musicians to showcase their talents but also promotes the country as a vibrant and culturally rich destination for tourists and music enthusiasts alike. I applaud the organizers’ efforts in promoting arts, culture, and tourism globally. It’s a testament to Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage and its commitment to sharing it with the world through the universal language of music.
As someone who has always wanted to attend RWMF since 2018 but was never fortunate enough to do so, I am excited to share that this year, I’m finally going. I have purchased my 3-day pass and booked my Malaysian Airline flight tickets. I can’t wait to experience this incredible event.
RWMF 2023, here I come!
Tareeq A.