Loud beating of drums at Rainforest World Music Festival

KUCHING: At the Rainforest World Music Festival 2024, people jump and laugh amidst the sound of drums.

On arrival at the festival, you cannot miss the loud beating of drums making different sounds.

Tay (second left) with the Colour of Sounds

At the festival, I had the opportunity to interviewed Emily Tay, a passionate and captivating drum facilitator from The Colour of Sounds.

“We are a drum circle facilitator, we let the circles take the groove.  

Chloe (left) Benjamin (right)

“There is no age limit as long as you have your heartbeat, the rhythm and contribute to the rhythm,” she said.

Participating in the drum circle as well was Benjamin from Germany who was full of praise for it.

“It’s very good, very energising, it’s just fun to drum. The performers entertain just like in a small concert. I like it. I’m here for the first time to experience the different cultures,” he said.

Together with him was Chloe from California, United States of America; she was also here for the first time.

“I love drum circles.  I was looking for them across Asia. Drum circles are all about communities,” she said.

Tia from Kuching.

A noticeable lass from Kuching, however, was Tia who

was playing the drums with feelings.  

“It is so much fun. This is my first drum circle. I played until my arms were  sore,” she confessed.

The Rainforest World Music Festival at the Sarawak Cultural Village  will be on until tomorrow. 

Besides enjoying the lively music, visitors can also buy interesting food and drinks at the festival.

Yesterday, many youth were  wearing white t-shirts with the words ‘RAYS’ which stood for ‘Rainforest Youth Summit which was being held at the venue for the first time.

Stephanie 22, from Sunway University College lauded the summit which commenced on June 26 (Wednesday) and ended yesterday.  

Stephanie (second left) with her friends from Sunway University College.

“It was very interesting,” said the girl who was still studying.

Tracy (right) with a friend from RAYS.

 Tracy Aci, 21, from Kuching said that she had learnt many things about other countries at the summit.

”I learned how to converse with different races. Hopefully, there will be more such events in the future,” she said.

Also present at the event was Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.