FACING THE PRESS: Performers in a photocall after the press conference.
KUCHING: The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) started yesterday with performers sharing their thoughts on environmental issues.
In a press conference held at the Media Centre at Damai Beach Resort which was attended by more than 20 media professionals, both local and international, the performers collectively agreed that a petition on rainforest conservation should be signed.
“As a musician, it is also our duty to raise environmental issues and RWMF is among the right platforms to voice this concern,” said Donald Dodd of Nunukul Yuggera of Australia.
He added that the haze issue due to open burning should not be taken lightly as it also involves the burning of the rainforests.
Meanwhile, Gema SLDN SCV representative Johari Morshidi, when answering a question on the effects of RWMF on local performers, said the
event had contributed to the confidence and self-belief of local performers to play at an international stage.
“It is an honour for us to play side by side with international acts. In fact, it also provides ideas for us to expand our musical style,” said Johari.
He added that with such exposure of the native music through RWMF, the younger generations now are not shy to learn musical instruments such as sape and gong.
The press conference yesterday was also attended by Chet Nuneta of France, Pine Leaf Boys of the US, Mohsen Sharifian and The Lian Band of Iran and Rafty Wasa Saja of Indonesia.
The Native Chant/Festival Blessings got the evening performance underway yesterday, followed by local performers Juk Wan Emang and Lan E’ Tuyang.
Other performers included Rythm in Bronze (Malaysia), Chet Nuneta (France), Rey Vallenato Beto Jamaica (Columbia), Alp Bora (Austria/Turkey), Nunukul Yuggera (Australia and Kila (Ireland).