Rainforest World Music Festival 2024: Sarawak Tourism Board Announces ‘Evolution’ Theme for its 27th Edition

Friday, March 22, 2024

The Sarawak Tourism Board is excited to announce the launch of the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2024, celebrating its 27th year with the theme ‘Evolution’. This year’s edition is set to redefine the festival experience, intertwining music with responsible tourism, cultural festivities, and dedication to environmental care.

Boasting an impressive lineup, the festival will feature 20 acts comprising 68 international musicians from 14 countries across 6 continents, alongside 63 Malaysian artists. This blend of talent is poised to offer a unique musical fusion, spotlighting the depth of global musical heritage in Sarawak. Collectively, these artists attract a global audience of 12 million fans, drawing from Spotify and social media channels like YouTube, Instagram, Twitter (X), and Facebook.

Highlighting the event, Grammy and Golden Globe winner Kitaro from Japan will make his first appearance at the RWMF. Famous for his innovative electronic and instrumental music, Kitaro’s performance is expected to mesmerize attendees with his otherworldly tunes, offering an unparalleled musical voyage. Kitaro secured his Grammy in 2001 for Best New Age Album at the 43rd Grammy Awards.

Joining the headliners from West Malaysia is Dato’ Zainalabidin, celebrated for his enduring hit ‘Hijau’ and contributions to the ‘World Music’ genre in Malaysia. With numerous accolades, including the Millennium Gold Award and Best Male Vocal at the Music Industry Award (AIM), his participation underscores the festival’s diverse appeal.

From East Malaysia, Sarawak’s Belle Sisoski stands out for her advocacy in indigenous rights, environmental, and musical conservation. At just 18, she has already made significant impacts, placing second in the 2022/2023 Commonwealth Song Contest with her song “Stop Your Games”. Sisoski plays a pivotal role in introducing Sarawak’s traditional music to the younger audience, enriching the festival’s cultural tapestry.

The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2024 lineup features a plethora of international artists such as Alright Mela Meets Santoo from Pakistan and France, Bourbon Lassi from Australia and Malaysia, Algeria and France’s Imarhan, Krakatau Ethno from Indonesia, Nini spanning Taiwan and the USA, along with Indonesia’s own Rizal Hadi and Folk, Rhythm Rebels Featuring Selonding Bali Aga, and Singapore’s Tribal Tide. Additionally, the festival will showcase an array of Malaysian talent including The Borneo Collective, Adrian G, Alena Murang, Nisa Addina, Salammusik, The Colour of Sound’s Malaysia, Tuni Sundatang, and Zarul @OurBodySound, offering a mix of performances from both East and West Malaysia.

A highlight of the festival is the debut of ‘Soul of Sarawak’ by The Borneo Collective, marking a historic musical endeavor at RWMF2024. This performance features Sarawak’s renowned traditional instrument experts, accompanied by a band of top-tier Malaysian musicians, including Matthew Ngau, a Living National Heritage, Jerry Kamit from 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 RM635 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 RM283, and door sale at
RM333. Children aged 3-12 can join in the excitement with a 1-day pass priced at RM 80, while
admission is free for children below 3 years old. Ticket sales will open on mid-April 2024 and
exciting giveaways await ticket purchasers in support of Sarawak tourism’s ongoing responsible
tourism and sustainability initiatives.”

Embracing the ‘Evolution’ theme, RWMF 2024 is dedicated to promoting sustainability and responsible tourism. With initiatives aimed at environmental conservation and fostering green practices, the festival strives to effectuate a lasting positive impact on the planet.

“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.

In 2024, the Rainforest World Music Festival will celebrate the transformative power of musical innovation, the beauty of diverse cultures coming together, and the revered wisdom of ancient traditions. It aims to foster a sense of unity that goes beyond geographical and cultural limits, inspiring a collective commitment to environmental conservation and the appreciation of our shared cultural wealth. This gathering is more than a music festival; it’s a catalyst for positive change, encouraging us to work towards a sustainable future for all generations.

Music lovers, environmental supporters, and those passionate about cultural discovery are all warmly welcomed to this extraordinary festivity. It promises a unique blend of diversity, artistic evolution, and global harmony, making it an event not to be missed.

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