One of Sarawak’s top annual events, festival also a platform for advocating sustainable tourism and conservation practices.
THE Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) continues to be one of Sarawak’s top annual events, drawing record crowds in its 27th edition this year.
Over 26,000 people attended the festival on June 28-30, a 35% increase from last year’s numbers.
RWMF also maintained its commitment to sustainability with its theme “Evolution” to promote responsible tourism, cultural exchange, and environmental stewardship.
The crowd swaying to the music at RWMF 2024. — Photos by ZULAZHAR SHEBlEE/The Star
State Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said RWMF 2024 served as a platform for advocating sustainable tourism and conservation practices.
“We are proud to highlight the festival’s role in promoting cultural exchange and environmental awareness.
“This year, the festival fulfilled its promise to be a melting pot of diverse cultures, the exchange of ideas, and environmental initiatives, elevating its significance to reach out to the younger generation,” he said.
Kitaro mesmerising the audience with his nature-inspired music.
RWMF’s commitment to sustainability was amplified by the Green Ruai, a dedicated area showcasing innovations in sustainability by key partners such as Sarawak Energy, Eco Green Planet, and Sarawak Forestry Corporation.
The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), the festival organisers, also set up eco-stations for recycling, water stations to discourage single-use plastic bottles, and shuttle buses to reduce carbon emissions.
The success of RWMF’s sustainability drive could be seen in the litter-free festival grounds shortly after its conclusion.
A large crowd in attendance on the first night of the RWMF 2024.
As always, the festival was a celebration of music and culture from local and international performers.
Renowned Japanese maestro Kitaro and Malaysian artiste Datuk Zainal Abidin, who headlined the festival, performed to a full house on the first and second nights.
Kitaro, making his first appearance in Sarawak, mesmerised the audience with his nature-inspired music.
A full-house crowd watching Kitaro perform.
“Living with nature, we hear the birds singing, the wind blowing, and other symphonies of nature. That is what comes through in my music,” he said in a talk earlier in the day.
Meanwhile, Zainal said he had been waiting for RWMF to take meaningful environmental measures before finally deciding to perform at the festival.
“RWMF organisers have been calling me for the past 20 years, but I declined to join as I was waiting for the right time.
Festival goers enjoying the music at RWMF 2024.
For me to be here, I needed to see the development of the festival’s environmental impact over the past 20 years,” he told a press conference before taking to the stage.
Zainal, whose hit song Hijau highlights environmental conservation, also said he wanted to convey a message about humanitarian and environmental issues through his performance.
Master sape musician Mathew Ngau Jau performing as part of The Borneo Collective.
“We need to talk about global warming and the many challenges happening in the world. It’s crucial to share our thoughts and ideas on how to protect the environment and prevent things from getting worse,” he said.
Altogether, 22 bands performed at RWMF 2024, featuring a total of 72 international and 75 local musicians.
Ensemble Melayu Nusantara was among the Malaysian acts performing at RWMF 2024.
Sarawakian performers included sape artiste Alena Murang, multi-instrumentalist Belle Sisoski, and violinist Nisa Addina.
Other Malaysian acts were The Borneo Collective, Ensemble Melayu Nusantara, Adrian G, Salammusik, The Colour of Sounds Malaysia, Tuni Sundatang, and Zarul @ OurBodySound.
Among the international performers were 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).
Havana Social Club, an international group of performers, closed the festival with lively Cuban and Latin American music.
Next year, the festival is scheduled to take place on June 20-22.
