The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) first showcased its brilliance 16 years ago. Held over a weekend (28-30 June 2013), it is a highly anticipated event known for great musical talent and an authentic outdoor festival atmosphere.
This year the RWMF has been voted, for the 4th consecutive time, as one of the 25 best International Festivals by renowned world music magazine, Songlines. Standing among other celebrated festivals like WOMADdelaide (Australia) and Ulsan World Music Festival (South Korea), the festival was nominated based on the broad representation of the quality and scope of the event itself.
Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Dato’ Rashid Khan expressed his delight at the RWMF being awarded again this year: “The event has no doubt been a contributor of tourist arrivals to the state and, as the organiser of the festival, we are proud to note that our efforts have been recognised for the fourth consecutive year.”
The festival, held annually under the stars at the Sarawak Cultural Village in a spectacular forest setting, has put The Land of the Hornbills on the map. Bringing dazzling performances from across the world, the festival attracts more than 20,000 international and local revellers to the forest-rich land of Borneo for three days of daytime music workshops and action-packed nightly shows.
This year’s performers come from all corners of the globe, namely Croatia, France, Iran, USA, Ukraine, Australia, Colombia, Denmark, South Africa, Ireland, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Featuring a host of bands including Rhythm in Bronze; Kries; Rafly Wa Saja; Kila; Dizu Plaatjies & The Ibuyambo Ensemble; Habadekuk;
Spiritual Seasons; Shangyin Chinese Chamber Music Ensemble; Madeeh; Pine Leaf Boys; Chet Nuneta; and Mohsen Sharifian and the Lian Band, this year’s lineup promises to be the most exciting yet. With 18 bands playing a diverse range of world genres, the RWMF features seven different acts per night.
Keep an eye out for a showcase of various talents from the different indigenous tribes of Sarawak – the Bidayuh, the Kayan, the Iban, and the Orang Ulu; a particular standout in the festival’s itinerary and a truly magical experience.
Of course the RWMF is not complete without its signature workshops. Its formula of afternoon informative workshops, ethno-musical lectures, jamming sessions, and mini-concerts, followed by evening performances on the main stage, has proven to be a huge hit with the audience and many return year after year to soak up the musical artistry offered.
No one leaves The Sarawak Culture Village without a trip to the RWMF store. Filled with RWMF related merchandise and paraphernalia, it is the best place to cement festival memories by picking up a souvenir T-shirt or a CD of your favourite artist, which you can even get signed by the performers themselves.
The RWMF is a truly unique festival that brings renowned world musicians from all continents and indigenous musicians from the interiors of the Borneo together on the same stage.
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What? Rainforest World Music Festival 2013
When? 28-30 June
Where? Sarawak Cultural Village, Kuching, Sarawak
What? World music performances, workshops, bazaar
How? www.rwmf.net
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Source: Senses of Malaysia May-Jun 2013
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