Rainforest World Music Festival rocks Sarawak June 26-28 with M. Nasir headlining

Abdul Karim (fifth right) and other distinguished guests at the launching of Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2026 held in BCCK on March 13, 2026.

By Dayangku Hidayatul

KUCHING, March 13: Sarawak’s signature music celebration, the 29th Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) will take place at the scenic Sarawak Cultural Village from June 26 to 28, bringing the world’s sounds to the foothills of Mount Santubong in a vibrant celebration of culture, rhythm, and heritage.

Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the festival remains one of Sarawak’s most distinctive cultural events, attracting musicians and visitors from around the globe.

“The Rainforest World Music Festival has grown far beyond a traditional music event. It is a meeting of cultures, where musicians from different parts of the world share stories through rhythm, melody, and heritage. What began as a modest cultural initiative has evolved into a globally respected platform that celebrates musical traditions from across continents while showcasing Sarawak’s cultural richness to the world,” he said at the festival launch at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.

This year’s festival theme, “Regenerations: Roots & Rhythms”, highlights cultural renewal, sustainability, and the evolution of traditional music into modern expression.

Over 200 performers from 12 countries are expected to take part, offering a rich mix of international and regional acts spanning soul, funk, groove, and Nusantara music traditions. Headliners include Malaysian music icon Dato M. Nasir, legendary funk band The Commodores featuring Thomas McClary, and British acid jazz group Incognito.

Abdul Karim expects more than 20,000 visitors, but emphasized that maintaining the festival’s unique atmosphere is more important than drawing bigger crowds.

“We are not focused on making money. Our goal is to provide good music, great entertainment, and a safe environment,” he said.

The festival will continue to showcase both local and international performers to appeal to diverse audiences. Security measures, including K-9 units, will also remain in place throughout the event.

Tickets for RWMF 2026 are now on sale in three phases, with early bird prices starting at RM235 for a one-day pass and RM635 for a three-day pass. Children aged 4 to 12 pay RM80, while entry is free for those under three. Festivalgoers can also enjoy installment payment options via Atome, GrabPayLater, and ShopeePayLater.

Abdul Karim highlighted the festival’s ongoing role in supporting Sarawak’s tourism and creative economy, while promoting the State’s cultural heritage to the world.

“When music echoes through the rainforest, it does more than entertain. It brings cultures together and reminds us that our shared heritage is something worth celebrating,” he said.

Also present at the launch were Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) CEO Sharzede Salleh Askor and MTCP permanent secretary Morshidi Frederick. — DayakDaily