The Rainforest World Music Festival (often abbreviated as RWMF) is an annual three-day music festival celebrating the diversity of world music, held in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
The festival was held for the last time in 1998 with only 300 audiences but has gradually expanded its popularity and become one of the most awaited music festivals in Sarawak each year. After 20 years of showcasing all genres of world music, be it the raw roots played in remote areas, classical traditional ensembles, folk, world beat and world fusion, it has grown to be known for its wide ranging repertoire of acts, the warm camaraderie, and the tropical and lush ambience of its venue.
The festival is held in the grounds of the Sarawak Cultural Village nestled against the base of Mount Santubong, north of Kuching. This 3-day festival holds evening performances on two open air stages, and afternoon more intimate shows on an indoor Theatre Stage.
Here, one can find everything from insights into ethnic instruments of the world, vocal and instrumental techniques, interactive dance workshops, percussion frenzy, children’s craft and musical story sessions, cultural talks and demonstrations, and much much more – all in an informal setting where audience and musicians alike, come together in a huge community feel-good spirit.With the theme ‘Legendary Rainforest Celebration’, this year’s edition of RWMF featured 60 performers from 20 countries and was also the first time since the festival’s inception in 1998 that it was hosted as a hybrid event.
