STB: 18th RWMF more exciting

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SANTUBONG: The 18th edition of Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) from Aug 7 to 9 promises to be more exciting, with 17 international and seven Malaysian bands to play a diverse range of world genres.

This year’s performers will be from Alaverdi (Georgia), Bargou 08 (Tunisia), Driss El Maloumi (Morocco), EPI (Mongolia), Harubee (Maldives), Kapela Maliszow (Poland), Kobagi Kecak (Indonesia), Kobo Town (Trinidad/Tobago), Korrontzi (Spain), Le Blanc Bros Kajun Band (Australia), Lindigo (Reunion Island), Ndima (Congo), Sangpuy (Taiwan), Shooglenifty (Scotland), Son De Madera (Mexico), Sona Joberteh (Gambia/ UK) and Ukandanz (France/Ethiopia).

Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) in a statement distributed to the media said the groups would be joined by Malaysian musicians like Culture Shot (Penang), Mah Meri (Malaysia), 1 Drum.Org (Malaysia) and Kenwy Yang-Qin Ensemble, Lan E Tuyang, Sayu Ateng and Sarawak Cultural Village all from Sarawak.

The festival, according to STB, has been awarded the Brand Laureate Best Brands Award 2012-2013 in the Asia Pacific region, and has also been recognised as the top 25 Best International Festivals by Songlines, a renowned world music magazine.

The organiser is anticipating a crowd of about 20,000 for the three-night event, with 40 per cent from outside the country.

Penrissen Cultural Group from Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) will showcase dances and music of the Bidayuh community.

The group will also feature the renowned Ring Ladies – women from a Bidayuh sub-district wearing copper coiled rings on their forearms and calves.

There will also be performance by the Iban community.

Pustaka Bookaroo – a festival of children literature will be providing workshops for children.

STB will for the first time use Radio Frequency ID (RFID) technology for the wristbands to provide real time data support, which will be extended to the vendors.