Dance to the tune of Caribbean calypso beats at RWMF

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KUCHING: Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) revellers are in for a treat at this year’s festival, as they’ll be able to enjoy Caribbean calypso music from Aug 7 to 9 at the Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV).

A statement from Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) revealed that Kobo Town from the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago will be performing calypso music at the festival – cheerful and relaxing musical compositions set against a laid back Caribbean setting.

Kobo Town founder Drew Gonsalves traces the band’s origins from the easy-going historic neighbourhood city in Port-of-Spain, which in turn is also thought to be the origin of calypso music.

The artiste grew up in Diego Martin where he was surrounded by calypso music from an early age, moving to Canada but eventually returning at the age of 18 when he started writing his own tunes.

The band’s debut album ‘Independence’, which was released in 2007, was also nominated for several awards including the Indie Award.

Gonsalves describes the band’s music style as a mix of traditional calypso, big band and jazz music, expressing a musical theme of present events in its lyrics.

The band’s new album ‘Jumbie in the Jukebox’ contributes to the musical heritage of the Caribbean that tries to give the present generation a voice to express themselves with.

“We made a conscious effort, but one that was quite natural in its own way to make the music different, a bit more intense,” said Gonsalves, describing the band’s musical nuances.

Admitting that the album was a small, heartfelt tribute to the spirits – both remembered and forgotten – who have gone before us, their songs and sounds had never lost their power to enchant, he remarked.

To join the festival, entrance tickets are now available at RM111 (adult pre-sale ticket) and RM50 (child pre-sale ticket) while the three-day entrance ticket is priced at RM300 (adult) and RM130 (child).

Tickets can be purchased via email at [email protected].

For more information, log on to RWMF’s website at http://rwmf.net/.