Monday, 9 July 2012 – Forming the largest group members of the festival, the Sarawak Percussion & Ensemble from Sarawak will showcase purely ethnic music of Sarawak ranging from the ethnic community of Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu and Melanau. 78 group members lined up, their music and instruments are as diverse, lush and poly-layered as the Sarawak’s rainforests.
Headed by home-venue Musical Director, Mr Narawi Rashidi, these local musicians and artists will perform a host of rare forms of traditional music and dance on stage as well as on the audience ground at the same time. Their musical beat is expected to instantly transport the listeners to a beautiful and magical land of Sarawak.
Make a date with them on the second and third night of the festival, where the group will entertain you will all metal based music instrument (second night) and all drums and bamboo-based instrument (third night). Other than showcasing Sarawak’s famous warrior dance, seldom heard tunes such as the ethnic chanting and melodies from various communities will also take place.
The festival will also showcase other renowned bands from all corners of the world such as Mamadou Diabate from Burkina Faso, Le Trio Joubran from Palestine, Khusugtun from Mongolia, Raiz De Cafezal a group of Brazilian Amazonian Indians, Oreka TX from Spain, La Zikabilo from France, String Sisters comprising fiddlers from the Scandinavian countries, Scotland, Ireland & the United States, Kanda Bongo Man from Congo, Cankisou from Czech Republic, Daniel Waro from the Reunion Island and HATA comprising musicians from Malaysia, Korea, Turkey and Taiwan. They will also be joined by Malaysian musicians like Samuel Dass and Prakash, Diplomats of Drum as well as Sarawakian very own Rhythm of Borneo.
Apart from the wonderful music and bands that you will see and listen to, there will also be their CDs and other festival memorabilia on sale. Taking place at the same venue will be the Rainforest World Craft Bazaar (RWCB), which features prominiently as an important frienge event.
Tickets available at the Visitors’ Information Centres (VIC) in Kuching, Miri and Sibu or online at www.rwmf.net/v2. Tickets are priced at RM110 for one-day pass and RM300 for three-day pass for adult while tickets for children between three and 12 years old is priced at RM55 for one-day pass and RM150 for three-day pass. Members of Malaysia Airlines’s Enrich Card will enjoy 30% ticket discount for purchasing at all VIC’s.
For the first time, the Festival official opening on July 12 will be open to public. Tickets with dinners are already sold out, however the RM30 entry ticket for non dinners are still available. Be at the opening night, you will be treated to the performances from the Brazilian Amazonian Indian – Raiz De Cafezal and Sarawakian group, Rhythm of Borneo.
The event organised by Sarawak Tourism Board and supported by the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia, Ministry of Tourism Sarawak and Tourism Malaysia. Other supporting partners includes Audio-Technica, Heineken, Malaysia Airlines, MASWings and Taylor’s University.
