Derek Johnson showing the musicians how to beat the drums and follow each other’s tunes.
Blowing the whistles together.
The audience beating on the floor in support of the musical camaraderie.
The audience entertained by the RWMF musicians.
Kedari and his friends showing their love for music.
Kedari on stage at the workshop.
KUCHING: It was a climactic finish at the ‘We Are The World’ workshop at the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) on Sunday when musicians from around the world strung a new composition together.
“The workshop is intended to prove that music is a universal language, and there is a need to understand it together to create something great,” stated guitarist for Sona Jobarteh from Gambia and UK Derek Johnson who led the workshop.
Other international musicians included violinist Kacper Malisz and accordionist Jan Malisz of Kapela Maliszow (Poland), percussionist James Mackintosh from Shooglenifty (Scotland), oud player Driss El Maloumi (Morocco), bassist Benoit Lecomte of Ukandanz (France/Ethiopia), percussionist Ramzi Maaroufi of Bargou 08 (Tunisia), calabash player Westley Joseph of Sona Jobarteh (Gambia/UK), and vocalists Bidzina, George and Mikheil of Alaverdi (Georgia).
Meanwhile, the local talents included flautist Narawi Rashidi of Sarawak Cultural Village, sape player Jeffery Mozallan of Sayu Ateng (Sarawak), yangqing player Ho Khong Wee of Kenwy Yangqing Ensemble (Sarawak), and guitarist Kedari of Sayu Ateng (Sarawak).
The ‘spontaneous’ 45-minute concert was a great pleasure for the audience who cheered at the top of their lungs dancing to the rhythm and music of the newly composed song. Some even beat their hands on the floor to show their support for such a great workshop.
The workshop at the festival played a great part in promoting one’s own culture, of the participating musicians, and
gave the opportunity for others to get acquainted to similarities and differences in music from around the world.
Marking their last performance for a workshop at this year’s RWMF festival, the joyful musicians hope to be given another golden opportunity to play at the festival again in the near future.