The line-up this year includes 13 international artists and 8 Malaysian bands playing a wide range of world music genres. The festival will continue its popular formula of having the afternoon dedicated to informative musical workshops, ethno-musical lectures, jamming sessions and mini concerts held in the ethnic houses within the Sarawak Cultural Village. This part of the program takes place before the main evening performances on two outdoor stages with the jungle ambience.
The festival will present more of Sarawak’s local talent compared to the previous years. This is consistent with the feedback received from the festival-goers from the previous festivals. Organizers believe that the opportunity of sharing the same stage with international acts will enable Sarawak’s local musicians to be exposed to the international music scene. This year the Rainforest World Music Festival will present the rare and dying art of the nose flute along with Sarawak and Malaysian folk music intertwined with Chinese traditional instruments.
Sarawak and Malaysian bands include Madeeh (Bidayuh traditional roots), Juk Wan Emang (nose flute of Kayan), Native Chanting (oral blessings from the various indigenous tribes of Borneo), Maya Green (sape), Rhythm in Bronze (gong and gamelan), Lan E Tuyang (sape and orang ulu dance), Sarawak Drums (percussion instruments of Sarawak) and Shangyin Chinese Chamber Music Ensemble (Chinese traditional mixed with Sarawak flavor).
The Minister also proudly announced the ‘BrandLaureate Country Branding Award 2012-2013’ awarded to the festival in a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur recently. The BrandLaureate Awards is the top award for branding and the No.1 branding awards in the Asia Pacific.
Through Sarawak Tourism Board’s promotional and marketing effort overseas, RWMF packages are promoted from as far as London and the regions nearby like Brunei and also Peninsula Malaysia. These travel packages enable visitors to visit Sarawak not only for the festival but also to explore and experience the adventure in Sarawak.
Daily tickets priced at RM120 for adults and RM60 for children aged 3 to 12 are now available on line at www.ticketcharge.com.my. A 3-day pass for adults costing RM330 and RM160 for children aged 3 to 12 are also available.
For more details, go to www.rwmf.net
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
Dear All,
I have a great time last month at the borneo jazz in miri.
I am coming back again.
Look forward to the good music, good food and
My buddies from miri
Laeng Jau Aran and friends…
Cheers,
Victor
Singapore