RWMF 2015 | Video by Nomadic Boys - Rainforest World Music Festival

We attended the Rainforest World Music Festival in August 2015 and fell in love with it, twerking with Congolese pygmies, dancing with drummers from Reunion island, gawking at the topless boys from Bali, being blown away by the really talented Gambian Alecia Keys lookalike and trying to throat sing with a very friendly Mongolian nomad.

This is our Rainforest World Music Festival video with our favourite moments and performances from this excellent 3 days event in Sarawak, Malaysia Borneo:

Kulāiwi

Kulāiwi is a Hawaiian trio whose name means “native land,” reflecting their mission to reconnect people with place and ancestry. Their track “Ka Nani Aʻo Maunakea” blends traditional language with contemporary harmony, evoking aloha ʻāina and cultural healing.

TĀL FRY

TĀL FRY is a rhythm-forward Indian ensemble blending Carnatic and Hindustani classical traditions with folk percussion and immersive visuals. Featuring instruments like tabla, ghatam, and cajon, their track “Thillana” offers a hypnotic, cross-genre performance.

N'famady Kouyaté

N’famady Kouyaté is a dynamic Guinean multi-instrumentalist based in Wales, fusing traditional Mandingue rhythms with indie, funk, and jazz. Known for his electrifying stage presence, his breakout track “Balafô Douma“ helped him clinch the 2023 Glastonbury Emerging Talent title.

Otyken

Оtyken is a Siberian indigenous music collective blending ancestral throat singing and elemental vocals with modern beats. Performing in Khakass, Chulym, and Dolgan languages, their viral track “Storm” transports listeners deep into the heart of the Siberian taiga.

Gaga Gundul

Gaga Gundul is a genre-blending collaboration between France’s Peemaï and Indonesia’s Gayam 16, fusing electric jazz with Javanese gamelan. Their track “Merapi’s Party” highlights a playful blend of groove, jazz, and traditional Indonesian rhythms.

Buloh Berkocak

Buloh Berkocak is a dynamic ensemble from Sarawak, Malaysia, blending traditional rhythms with contemporary flair. Formed by cultural advocate Narawi Rashidi, their track “Moon” showcases the energy, heritage, and musical spirit of Sarawak.

Buddha Beat ft Sinaran Collective

Buddha Beat is a genre-fusing project from Malaysia founded by Cheong, AKA Cole Yew, blending Chinese bamboo flute with psychedelic rock, trip-hop, and electronica. Their track “Maha Kaya” explores harmony through tradition and digital soundscapes.

Naungan

NAUNGAN is a Malaysian instrumental group blending traditional instruments like the Sape’, Gu Zheng, Tabla, and Sitar with contemporary arrangements. With a mission to promote unity through sound, their performances harmonise cultural roots and modern expression.

Mathew Ngau Jau & Lan E Tuyang

Mathew Ngau Jau and Lan E Tuyang is a Sarawakian collective of elders and youth from the Kenyah, Kayan, Iban, Lun Bawang, and Penan communities. Their track “Lunde (Inviting Everyone)” channels ancestral voices, nature, and living heritage.

Meruked

Meruked is a six-piece band from Kuching, Sarawak, blending the ethereal tones of the sape with post-rock soundscapes. Their track “Kining Posah” delves into themes of resilience and personal growth, reflecting a fusion of traditional and contemporary musical elements.

Seppuku Pistols

Seppuku Pistols is a traditional Japanese ensemble of over 20 members led by Captain Iida Danko. Formed after the 2011 Fukushima disaster, they are known for raw, guerrilla-style performances from Tokyo shrines to Times Square and Expo 2020 Dubai.

Seffarine

Seffarine is a Moroccan-American duo blending Andalusian melodies, flamenco guitar, Persian modes, and jazz into one soulful tapestry. Named after the ancient metalworkers’ square in Fes, their track “Une Autre Chance” reflects a timeless fusion of cultures.

Rob Ruha

Rob Ruha is a New Zealand artist and pioneer of “haka-soul,” blending traditional Māori music with R&B, soul, and pop. Deeply rooted in his Te Whānau-ā-Apanui and Ngāti Porou heritage, his track “Pōnga Rā” marks a powerful solo debut and cultural statement.

The Paradise Bangkok

The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band is a genre-defying Thai ensemble reimagining Molam folk music with funk, psychedelia, and global grooves. Born from late-night jams at Bangkok’s Studio Lam, their track “Kwang Noi Chaolay“ pulses with hypnotic energy and cultural fusion.

Manhu

Manhu is a folk group from Yunnan, China, representing the Yi people with rare instruments like the hulusheng and even a leaf reed. Their track “March Celebration” showcases their rich traditions, with RWMF marking their first international performance outside China.

La Chiva Gantiva

La Chiva Gantiva is a high-energy band from Brussels, blending Colombian rhythms with rock, funk, hip-hop, and punk. Formed by musicians from Colombia, Belgium, Vietnam, and Chile, their track “Pelao“ captures their explosive multicultural sound.

Kuntaw Minadao

Kuntaw Mindanao is an ethno-rock band from Tagum City, Philippines, blending indigenous music with modern genres. Known for cultural activism, their track “Una” reflects the Lumad people’s resistance against exploiting ancestral lands.

Earth, Wind & Fire

Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay is a funk and soul ensemble from the USA, led by legendary EWF guitarist Al McKay. Their live renditions of hits like “September” deliver the band’s iconic sound and energy.

At Adau

At Adau is a world music ensemble from Sarawak, Malaysia, blending traditional Bornean sounds with contemporary energy. Rooted in Sape’s melodies and tribal percussion, their track “Pemong Jae” celebrates the cultural heartbeat of Bidayuh, Iban, and Orang Ulu traditions.

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