The 2024 Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, has commenced with an electrifying energy, embodying this year’s theme, ‘Evolution.’ Now in its 27th year, the festival has evolved beyond a traditional music event into a comprehensive celebration that champions responsible tourism, cultural immersion, and environmental conservation.
The festival welcomed a diverse array of 72 international and 75 local musicians, comprising 22 acts that have collectively amassed a fanbase of 12 million followers on platforms like Spotify, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, underscoring its global appeal. The opening day was electrified by headliner performances, including the Grammy and Golden Globe Award-winning Kitaro Live World Tour. Making his debut performance in Kuching and at the RWMF, Kitaro enchanted the audience at the Sarawak Cultural Village with his pioneering electronic-instrumental sounds, setting a lofty standard for the rest of the festival.
Moreover, the opening day of RWMF, aligning with the conclusion of the Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS), marked a historic turnout, the largest in the festival’s history, with all tickets for the day being snapped up and surpassing previous sales records. “Last evening saw the highest attendance recorded for the first day of RWMF in its 27 years, with many attendees coming from international destinations Europe, Africa, Australia, along with strong festival goers from ASEAN countries,” said Sharzede Datu Hj Salleh Askor, CEO of the Sarawak Tourism Board.
“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,” she added.
Sponsors like Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), TVS, Carlsberg, and more back RWMF 2024, which is set to exceed last year’s attendance. This event serves as a crucial platform for key opinion leaders, environmental advocates, and young changemakers. Aligned with the theme of ‘Evolution’, the Rainforest World Music Festival 2024 intensifies its commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism. The festival champions environmental protection through initiatives like prohibiting single-use plastics and offering free shuttle buses to lower carbon emissions. These measures highlight its dedication to ecological stewardship and encourage a shift towards a more sustainable future. As the festival progresses, it seamlessly blends the celebration of diverse world music and cultures with its steadfast sustainability goals, creating a significant and unforgettable experience for everyone.
