Kitaro to perform at Sarawak’s rainforest music fest in June

KUCHING: Internationally acclaimed Japanese musician Kitaro will be the headline act at this year’s Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) on June 28-30.

Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this would be the award-winning artist’s first appearance at the festival.

“Renowned for his groundbreaking electronic instrumental music, the Kitaro Live World Tour promises to be a mesmerising experience and will be one of the most anticipated performances this year,” he said when launching the 27th RWMF here on Friday (March 22).

Also headlining the festival will be Datuk Zainal Abidin, known for his hit song “Hijau”, which has been around for over three decades.

“It was one of the first few songs in the country to be categorised under the genre of world music when the concept was still relatively new in Malaysia,” Abdul Karim said.

He said this year’s festival line-up comprised 20 acts from 14 countries, featuring a total of 68 international and 63 Malaysian musicians.

Local performers include Alena Murang, The Borneo Collective, Tuni Sundatang, Nisa Addina, Salammusik and The Colour of Sounds.

Also in the line-up is up-and-coming Sarawakian singer-songwriter Belle Sisoski, known for using her creative platform to raise awareness about indigenous rights and environmental and musical conservation in Sarawak.

International acts include the Havana Social Club from Cuba, Alright Mela Meets Santoo (Pakistan/France), Bourbon Lassi (Australia/Malaysia), Krakatau Ethno (Indonesia), Nini (Taiwan/United States), Rizal Hadi and Folk (Indonesia) and Tribal Tide (Singapore).

Ticket sales for RWMF will open in mid-April. A three-day pass is priced at RM635, while a one-day pass is RM235 (early bird), RM283 (pre-sale) and RM333 (door sale).