KUCHING, 26 March 2024: Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) unveils the highly anticipated Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2024, set to be a transformative celebration under the theme ‘Evolution’.
In its 27th edition, the RWMF promises an immersive experience that transcends music, incorporating responsible tourism, cultural celebration, and environmental stewardship.
The festival lineup is nothing short of extraordinary, featuring a diversity that showcases 20 acts in total, comprising 68 international musicians from 14 countries across six continents together with 63 Malaysian artists. This exciting amalgamation of sounds and cultures promises to create a musical fusion like never before, showcasing the richness of global musical traditions right here in the heart of Sarawak. All the acts combined command a massive global fanbase of 12 million, comprising followers from Spotify and various social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, Twitter (X), and Facebook.
Among the festival’s headlining acts is the Grammy and Golden Globe award winner Kitaro, a Japanese recording artist renowned for his groundbreaking electronic-instrumental music. Kitaro Live World Tour will be coming to the Rainforest World Music Festival for the first time to enchant and 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 West Malaysia, is Dato Zainalabidin, known for his hit song ‘Hijau’, which has been around 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 is an award-winning artist, having 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 (AIM).
Representing East Malaysia is Sarawak’s own Belle Sisoski, well-known for using her creative platform to raise awareness about indigenous rights and environmental and musical conservation in Sarawak. This remarkable 18-year-old was also 2nd place with her song “Stop Your Games’, in the 2022/2023 Commonwealth Song Contest. She connects with the younger generation and introduces them to the rich variety of Sarawak’s traditional instruments through her music.
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).
Attendees to RWMF 2024 will also be entertained by other Malaysian acts such as The Borneo Collective (East Malaysia), Adrian G (West Malaysia), Alena Murang (East Malaysia), Nisa Addina (East Malaysia), Salammusik (West Malaysia), The Colour of Sound’s Malaysia (West Malaysia), Tuni Sundatang (East Malaysia) and Zarul @OurBodySound (West Malaysia).
The Borneo Collective is the 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. The ensemble consists of Malaysia’s Living National Heritage Matthew Ngau, Jerry Kamit of Tuku Kame, Joe Gendang and Ezra Tekola of At Adau.
YB Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak, shared: “The Rainforest World Music Festival 2024 transcends its role as a mere music festival; it embodies the theme of ‘EVOLUTION’, where sustainability, responsible tourism, and cultural exchange blend in perfect harmony to converge. We anticipate to surpass RWMF2023 attendees for the entire festival weekend, creating a platform for key opinion leaders, environmental advocates, and youth changemakers.”
The Minister added: “Ticket options for RWMF 2024 cater to every enthusiast, from the coveted 3-day pass priced at MYR635 for adults, granting access to the entire weekend of festivities, to the 1-day pass for adults offering early bird pricing at RM235, pre-sale at MYR283, and door sale at MYR333. Children aged 3-12 can join in the excitement with a one-day pass priced at MYR80, while admission is free for children below three. Ticket sales will open in mid-April 2024, and exciting giveaways await ticket purchasers in support of Sarawak tourism’s ongoing responsible tourism and sustainability initiatives.”
In line with the theme of ‘Evolution’, the Rainforest World Music Festival 2024 continues to take bold strides towards sustainability and responsible tourism. From eco-friendly initiatives to advocacy for greener practices, the festival aims to inspire positive change for a better, more environmentally conscious future.
“The Rainforest World Music Festival 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, we are taking an important step forward. With the Evolution of RWMF, we are transforming the festival into a dynamic platform that advocates sustainable practices in tourism and conservation, paving the way for the next 25 years of this festival”, emphasised Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, CEO of Sarawak Tourism Board.
“The Rainforest World Music Festival 2024 will embrace the evolution of music expressions, the unity found in diversity, honour the wisdom of indigenous traditions and cultivate harmony that transcends boundaries. Our shared experiences will ignite a passion for preserving our planet and cherishing the richness of our collective heritage. Together, we can create a brighter future through music and beyond for future generations.”
The Rainforest World Music Festival 2024 invites music enthusiasts, environmental advocates, and cultural explorers to join in this unparalleled celebration of diversity, evolution, and harmony.
For more information and ticket bookings, please visit the official Rainforest World Music Festival 2024 website at www.rwmf.net.
For more information, visit www.sarawaktourism.com
