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RWMF 2025 kicks off tomorrow with global line-up, green mission
Members of the local media fraternity pose for a group photo during a walkabout at the Sarawak Cultural Village to observe ongoing preparations for RWMF 2025. – Photo by Roystein Emmor
KUCHING (June 19): The highly anticipated Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2025 is set to kick off tomorrow, promising an immersive celebration of musical diversity from around the globe.
Final preparations are underway at the Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV), where organisers, vendors, and volunteers are putting the finishing touches ahead of the festival's 28th edition, taking place from June 20 to 22.
The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), organiser of the event, is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a smooth and memorable experience for festivalgoers.
Its team, alongside volunteers and vendors, has been working tirelessly on-site to ready the facilities and logistics for the thousands expected to attend.
A visit by The Borneo Post to SCV today observed workers setting up food and merchandise booths, finalising the main stage structure, and marking out visitor pathways around the festival grounds.
Technical crews were also seen testing audio and lighting systems in preparation for tomorrow's opening performances.
Meruked rehearsing in high spirits as they prepare to showcase their talent to the world. – Photo by Roystein Emmor
This year's edition will feature over 170 musicians from 20 countries, showcasing a wide range of world music genres.
Headlining the festival is the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay, set to electrify the main stage.
Other international performers include Seppuku Pistols from Japan, Rob Ruha from New Zealand, The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band from Thailand, and the Siberian-Russian group Otyken, known for their powerful fusion of traditional ethnic sounds.
Local acts will also take centre stage, including Sarawak-based groups At Adau, Meruked, and Buluh Berkocak, who will present their own renditions of traditional Bornean music in contemporary arrangements.
In line with its sustainability goals, the festival has announced that plastic beverage bottles will not be allowed within the grounds – part of a broader effort to reduce single-use plastics and promote environmental responsibility.
RWMF 2025 is expected to draw thousands of music lovers to the foot of Mount Santubong for three days of performances, cultural exchange, and eco-conscious celebration.
Technicians doing some final touches to the main stage. – Photo by Roystein Emmor Rainforest World Music Festival rwmf SCV
