Rainforest Festival Recognised As Among 25 World's Best Music Festivals

KUCHING (Sarawak, Malaysia), April 2 (Bernama) -- The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) is among 25 best festivals in the world, according to international music magazine 'Songlines'. Sarawak Tourism Minister Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said, since the festival was introduced in 1998, it was becoming more recognisable worldwide, especially among music fans. "Today, outsiders (tourists) are asking when RWMF will be held and this gives the impression the world knows about the festival," he said. He estimated that 30,000 visitors were expected to attend the 15th edition of the three-day festival at the Sarawak Cultural Village, beginning July 13. According to Abang Johari, apart from performances by several international musicians, the RWMF stage this time would be used to expose Sarawak's national artistes to the world. Among groups which are expected to perform at the event are Mamadou Siabate from Burkina Faso, Le Trio Joubran (Palestine), Khusugtun (Mongolia), Amazonia Indians (Brazil), Oreka TX (Spain), La Zikabilo (Perancis), String Sisters (Scotland, Ireland and the United States), Kanda Bongo Man (Congo), Cankisou (Czech Republic) and Hata-The One (Malaysia, Korea, Turkey and Taiwan) and several local groups, namely, Samuel Dass and Prakash, Diplomat of Drum and Rhythm of Borneo. -- BERNAMA