Feel the rhythm: Abdul Karim beating a drum to launch the 27th Rainforest World Music Festival. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: Japan’s internationally acclaimed musician, Kitaro, is set to wow music lovers at the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) this year.
State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this would be the award-winning artiste’s first appearance at the festival.
“Renowned for his groundbreaking electronic instrumental music, Kitaro promises to be a mesmerising experience and will be one of the most anticipated performances this year,” he said when launching the 27th RWMF here yesterday.
Also headlining the festival will be Datuk Zainal Abidin, 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,” Abdul Karim said.
He said this year’s festival line-up comprised 20 acts from 14 countries, featuring 68 international and 63 Malaysian musicians.
Local performers include Alena Murang, The Borneo Collective, Tuni Sundatang, Nisa Addina, Salammusik and The Colour of Sounds.
Also in the line-up is up-and-coming Sarawakian singer-songwriter Belle Sisoski, known for using her creative platform to raise awareness of indigenous rights and environmental and musical conservation in Sarawak.
International acts include the Havana Social Club from Cuba, Alright Mela Meets Santoo (Pakistan/France), Bourbon Lassi (Australia/Malaysia), Krakatau Ethno (Indonesia), Nini (Taiwan/United States), Rizal Hadi and Folk (Indonesia), and Tribal Tide (Singapore).
Themed Evolution, this year’s RWMF will take place on June 28–30 at the Sarawak Cultural Village.
Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Sharzede Salleh Askor said the festival is taking a step forward in promoting sustainability, responsible tourism, and environmental stewardship.
“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,” she said.
Ticket sales for RWMF will open in mid-April. A three-day pass is priced at RM635, while a one-day pass is RM235 (early bird), followed by RM283 (pre-sale) and RM333 (door sale).
