The annual event in Sarawak features a wide range of performances—from traditional music to world fusion and contemporary music. Photo credit: Sarawak Tourism Board.
There was once a traditional healer whose wife fell ill. In a dream, the healer was told to carve out a piece of tree and string it with pineapple fibers. He was instructed to use this newly crafted musical instrument to play tunes for his wife to aid her healing. He did exactly that once he awoke and miraculously his wife got well. This is the story of the birth of sape (Bornean boat lute), one of Sarawak’s best known traditional musical instruments.
Sarawak is a mystical place. Malaysia’s largest state is home to 27 different ethnic tribes, each with their own culture and history. They also boast their own unique music, instruments, and stories. From the hypnotic drumming of the beduk (long drum), which is likened to the beating of the heart of the rain forest, to the selingut (nose flute), the jatong utang (wooden xylophone), and the sape, Sarawak’s traditional musical instruments and the music they produce tell the story of the people and the land.
Every song is pieced together by the histories of the indigenous communities. The creation and composition of traditional Sarawakian music come from personal stories, occurrences, folklore, and legends distinct to the respective people. It is a creative expression of their way of life and culture.
The Sarawak Tourism Board is organizing this year’s Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) virtually on 18–20 June to celebrate music, art, and culture. The virtual festival will be a retrospective of past performances and pre-recorded sessions with homegrown acts.
The 3-day festival is an annual event held in Kuching that features a wide range of performances—from traditional music to world fusion and contemporary music. The main draw is the traditional cultural music performed by the local communities of Sarawak. Traditional acoustic instruments are used although modern accompaniment is common. However, last year’s festival was cancelled because of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
“With COVID-19 hampering world travel, it’s important for us to remember the iconic Rainforest World Music Festival during the pandemic. Our online musical showcase this year attempts to recreate a virtual experience for those who are missing the excitement and merriment of our annual RWMF and build up their anticipation for RWMF 2022,” said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
“I believe that RWMF 2021’s theme—Entranced, Liberated, Immerse—captures the spirit of the RWMF as a whole, and we look forward to being able to hold it in a big way for RWMF 2022.”
The virtual festival will feature Sarawakian talents Alena Murang, Kemada, Sang Rawi, At Adau, Tuku Kame, Suk Binie’, Nading Rhapsody and Mathew Ngau in between flashbacks of favorite musical acts from previous years, along with interviews and workshops. It will be streamed from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m on the festival’s website.
Those who register for the event will be eligible to get giveaways, including tickets to the festival in 2022 and discounts to hotels.