Mar 27

Countdown to RWMF 2024!

~ Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP), Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (centre) during the launching of RWMF 2024 in Kuching recently, along with (from left) CEO of Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, Chairman of STB, Datuk Dennis Ngau, MTCP Deputy Ministers, Datuk Snowdan Lawan and Datuk Sebastian Ting, MTCP Permanent Secretary, Datu Sherrina Hussaini and CEO of Hemisphere Corporation, Mark Ferguson.

As of Mar 27, 2024

Stay tuned for more updates!

The Rainforest World Music Festival is back!

Music and culture enthusiasts from all over the world, prepare to indulge in a celebration of Sarawak’s rich cultural tapestry of music, along with annual offerings of workshops, cultural and craft displays as well as food stalls that keep you coming back for more! The theme for RWMF 2024 is ‘Evolution’ and festivalgoers can expect to immerse themselves in a transformative cultural celebration encompassing responsible tourism, cultural celebration and environmental stewardship.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the majestic Mount Santubong at the Sarawak Cultural Village, RWMF is a three-day music festival celebrating the rich and diverse heritage of world music that is held annually since 1998. Despite having only a few hundred attendees at its inception, the festival has since blossomed, attracting tens of thousands and featuring performers from all over the world, from traditional music to world fusion and contemporary music!

The CEO of Sarawak Tourism Board, Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor also mentioned, “The Rainforest World Music Festival has always been a rich cultural tapestry encompassing diverse musical traditions, championing indigenous voices and a beacon of cultural celebration. With the Evolution of RWMF, this festival is being transformed into a dynamic platform that advocates sustainable practices in tourism and conservation for the next 25 years.”

Prepare to be mesmerised by three nights of cultural magic in the enchanting heart of Sarawak! With plenty to look forward to, including inclusive workshops, drum circles, food stalls and intimate performances, this year’s festival is set to bring RWMF to new heights by transforming it into a dynamic platform that advocates sustainable practices in tourism and conservation for the next 25 years.

Meet the acts

This year’s lineup features a total of 20 acts, with 68 international musicians from 15 countries across 6 continents along with 63 Malaysian artists. Grammy and Golden Globe award winner Kitaro, renowned Japanese electronic-instrumental musician, will be headlining this year’s RWMF as part of his live world tour. Alongside Kitarō, Malaysia’s own beloved Dato Zainalabidin, known for his hit song ‘Hijau’ and also winner of multiple accolades such as the Millenium Gold Award and the Seri Angkasa Award, will also be one of the main headliners as well as Sarawak’s own Belle Sisoski, who uses her musical platform to raise awareness about indigenous and musical rights in Sarawak.

Other local Malaysian acts include Adrian G (West Malaysia), Alena Murang (East Malaysia), Nisa Addina (East Malaysia), Salammusik (West Malaysia), The Colour of Sounds (West Malaysia), Tuni Sundatang (East Malaysia), Zaul @OurBodySound (West Malaysia) and The Borneo Collective, a first ever musical project featuring Malaysia’s Living National Heritage, Matthew Ngau, Jerry Kamit of Tuku Kame, Joe Gendang, Ezra Tekola of At Adau, Peter Rining Paris among others. Meanwhile, other international acts will feature 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).