This year, the event – scheduled to happen from June 17 to 19 with the theme “Legendary Rainforest Celebration” – will be held in a hybrid format.
In a press statement, it was revealed that the physical concert will happen at its usual venue, which is the Sarawak Cultural Village. And at the same time, viewers can also livestream it from wherever they are.
This can be done via an online viewing platform, set to be launched soon. The new hybrid format follows last year’s “Virtual Experience”.
Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts said in the statement: “I’m very proud of how far our homegrown product has come. From around 300 spectators for its first-ever concert back in 1998, to becoming the first hybrid festival of its kind in Malaysia.
“Concertgoers who miss the feel of the physical concert can come together in mutual appreciation of world music, and those around the world can enjoy world music live from the comfort of their own homes.”
For its 25th edition, the music festival will feature Sarawakian talents such as Alena Murang, Kemada, Sang Rawi, At Adau, Tuku Kame, Suk Binie’, Nading Rhapsody and Mathew Ngau.
Of course, it’s also welcoming back international performers from countries including Canada, India, the United States, Finland, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Japan, Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, China, Bhutan and South Korea.
Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Tourism Board, Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor said: “Every year we strive to make Rainforest World Music Festival better than the year before. Last year’s Virtual Experience gave us invaluable feedback on how we could work towards combining the best of both worlds – physical and the digital – to create RWMF’s first hybrid edition this year.
“We hope that creating this unique precedent for the 25th edition of the festival will become a keystone for the next 25 years for the festival, bridging the past with the future and sustaining and reinventing our musical heritage and its traditions for many years to come.”
Early bird ticket sales start on April 18 for physical and virtual concerts at rwmf.net. The price range for the physical concert is between RM400 to RM150, while the virtual tickets are priced at RM25.
Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and Journify will also have special RWMF promotions to those looking to get to the festival’s destination.
According to thestar.com.my
(https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/entertainment/2022/04/15/rainforest-world-music-festival-returns-in-june-as-physical-and-virtual-event)
