Borneo Jazz Festival 2026 debuts in Miri City on Dec 4-5

KUCHING: Borneo Jazz Festival will make its first appearance in Miri city centre when its 20th edition takes place on December 4 and 5 at Pullman Miri Waterfront.

Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said that the tickets for Borneo Jazz Festival 2026 will go on sale at midnight on October 3 via the official website, Jazzborneo.com.

“I encourage music lovers, festival-goers, families and visitors from across Malaysia and the wider region to make your way to Miri this December,” he said during the Borneo Jazz Festival 2026 media conference at Baitulmakmur II Building here today.

Held under the theme ‘Beyond Jazz’, the festival will feature 10 performing acts representing seven countries, namely Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, the United States, Australia and Sweden.

Abdul Karim (fourth right) and Sharzede (second left) pose for a commemorative group photo. – Photo: Nurin Patra

“The line-up includes Datuk Zainalabidin & Julian Chan Jazz Orchestra, Platina Jazz, Brekky Boy, Q Sound, Marter, LaidThis Nite, Elisha Tiga Eksperiment, Nathanie Ngu, Greg Tan & Ai Furusato, and Matthew Sayersz & Marclesia Karim,” said Abdul Karim.

Zainalabidin, who is celebrating 50 years in music, will perform with the Julian Chan Jazz Orchestra on December 4 in a special 17-piece big band arrangement.

Sweden’s Platina Jazz will headline the following day, bringing its jazz interpretations of popular anime music to the festival.

Abdul Karim added that the festival would also feature homegrown and regional performers, including Sarawak-born Nathanie Ngu and Malaysian bassist and composer, Greg Tan.

The festival will also include a collaboration with Berklee Asia Rising under Berklee College of Music, giving emerging musicians the opportunities for learning, knowledge exchange and artist development.

Beyond the main concert programme, the Borneo Jazz Festival Village will offer free-entry activities featuring food and beverages, retail, arts and crafts, family activities and live performances.

The All Borneo Pavilion will feature participation from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei and Indonesia, while the Borneo Jazz Fun Run will offer a non-competitive five-kilometre activity.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Tourism Board’s (STB) Chief Executive Officer, Dr Sharzede Datuk Salleh Askor, said several ticket options would be available for the festival.

The standard ticket is priced at RM150, with a discounted bundle price of RM120, while a two-day pass costs RM240.

Student and young adult tickets are priced at RM75, while the VIP package is RM400 for one day and RM800 for two days.

She said the discounted bundle rates would be offered throughout the ticketing period and were not limited to an early-bird promotion.

For more information and the latest festival updates, visit Jazzborneo.com.