RWMF 2015 Performers List

Do you also know that every year, more and more new international and local acts are brought in to perform to world music lovers? 

One to look out for is our own Malaysian Mah Meri ethnic group, one of the oldest ethnic groups in the country and very little known about them.

Other highlights would also be the Ndima, a rare pygmy tribe from Congo, Africa and a Kecak group from Bali, Indonesia.

1Drum Circle is a great way to meet like-minded people and an opportunity to reconnect with your inner rhythm. Drums will be provided for 100 pax per session.

Performing on the most traditional folk instruments, such as string, wind and percussion instruments, the band brings back the original sound of Georgian music and creates a mystical atmosphere.

Bargou 08 from Tunesia at the RWMF

Their music is the gateway to old Tunisian traditions and stories which are embedded in the lyrics, the melody, and the dance.

Using instruments such as Er-hu, Lang Tin Tang, Rebana, Gongs, and a Gendang, they mix sounds from different regions and create a new sound representing the diversity of their country. 

In 2013 Driss El Maloumi released his album “Makan” which he recorded in a trio with two percussionists Said El Maloumi and Lahoucine Baquir.

Enkh Jargal or EPI from Mongolia

He studied the Moorin Hoor at the Music-Conservatorium of Ulaanbaatar and has performed all over the world and also on TV to bring back the awareness towards Mongolian traditional music.

It is the relief found in dance for the common people. The songs are about everyday life, often heavy with satire. The drumming and dancing are frenetic, crescendo-ing into immense passionate climaxes.

Their instruments have been played by family members since the early 20th century and they have won a variety of prizes playing folk songs and dance music from Gorlice County using their traditional instruments (violin, basolia, and drum).

Ken Wy is a master at this instrument and has established a Music & Arts Academy in Kuching. He brings an impressive ensemble of yangqins and percussion to the festival playing a range of traditional Chinese songs.

Kobagi Kecak from Indonesia

Kobagi Kecak (Bali, Indonesia)

Kobagi combines the western body percussion with Balinese music using their own bodies as primary instruments accompanied by stamping tubes made of bamboo.

Since feeling a strong boundary towards his home country Trinidad, he has developed a unique calypso style inspired by Jazz, Funk and Disco music as well as other elements that he performs with his band to bring back the old sounds of Caribbean music.

This is the music of the Kenyah from the Orang Ulu tribe in Sarawak – the lonely strains of the boat lute with the dances of the warriors.

Their lyrics tell Reunion’s symbolic stories of complex sentiments and personal experiences that the band spreads by performing all over the world.

Mah Meri from Selangor, Malaysia

They come to the festival with their fearsome masks, log drums, ladies in mengkuang skirts, and bring with them the ancient rites and folklore that they still maintain in their community in Carey Island.

Ndima from Congo

Their traditional music is an important cultural heritage for the pygmies aka, as it is played every day to accompany certain rituals. To remain their culture and to create awareness for it, Ndima performs in countries all over the world letting their audience experience the magic of this spiritual music.

Sangpuy from Taiwan

This musician from an old tribe in Taiwan sings songs from ancient ceremonies dedicated to gods of the natural world.

Sangpuy’s forceful, penetrating voice has the ability to teleport audiences from urban settings to a place where Aborigines believe the wind is their friend and can be summoned by whistling.

When the musician talks, he frequently uses natural metaphors like insects, rivers, and trees to get his point across.

The artists are the resident dancers and musicians of the international acclaimed living museum, the Sarawak Cultural Village of Sarawak, East Malaysia.

Taking ancient and modern sounds and fusing them with their own infectious character, the original sound and lyrics are based on the historical makeup of Sarawak.

The Kora is an African harp that is traditionally only allowed to be played by male members of these families wherefore Sona is an exceptional talent being trained in Europe and performing with many famous artists.

Their music is inspired by traditional and popular Ethiopian songs. uKanDanZ is a blast of real energy and emotion. Ethiopia meets rock, jazz, and noise.

At the preview, two of the Malaysian performers – the Mah Meri and Lan E Tuyang, gave a special performance to members of the media for the upcoming RWMF 2015.

There is a shuttle service available both ways to the festival at a cost of around RM5 or RM8 one way.

There are in fact quite a several Hotels near the RWMF but you need to check and see which of them have available rooms as it is most likely all fully booked.

There are several guest houses in the Petrajaya as well, but I would safely say that you would stand a better chance of getting a hotel in the Kuching city area.

If you are staying in the Kuching area and have extra time, you may also want to know what to do in Kuching as there are many attractions and things to do here. A must-try is taking a Sarawak River Cruise from the Waterfront area.

And for those who are into food, a recommendation is to try eating the local food in Kuching as it is one of a kind too. The famous Sarawakian dishes are Kolo Mee and the Sarawak Laksa.

Other than that, over at the Sarawak Cultural Village where the venue is, there are ample activities for adults and kids, a craft bazaar, various food stalls and souvenirs available for festival-goers.

Remember, the festival is held over three days and I will most likely be there to attend this. One of the main reasons is also to see the many interesting world music artists, bands and groups perform for this year’s RWMF 2015.