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RWMF 2024 Ends on a High Note with Record Attendance and Immaculate Execution of Responsible Tourism
Rainforest World Music Festival 2024 sees record 26,000 attendees. The 27th RWMF, from June 28-30, featured exceptional performances, cultural immersion, and sustainability initiatives, marking a 35% increase in attendance.
Rainforest World Music Festival 2024 sees record 26,000 attendees. The 27th RWMF, from June 28-30, featured exceptional performances, cultural immersion, and sustainability initiatives, marking a 35% increase in attendance.
Kuching, 2nd July 2024 – The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2024 concluded its 27th edition with resounding success, celebrating three days of exceptional performances, cultural immersion, and groundbreaking sustainability initiatives. From June 28th to 30th, the Sarawak Cultural Village buzzed with energy as over 26,000 festival-goers from across the globe gathered to experience the magic of RWMF. This number was a resounding 35% increase compared to attendees in 2023.
2024 theme, ‘Evolution’, encapsulated the festival’s commitment to transcending beyond music, promoting responsible tourism, cultural exchange, and environmental stewardship. The festival featured a diverse lineup of 72 international and 75 local musicians, combining for a total of 22 acts. These artistes, boasting a massive global fanbase of 12 million followers, delivered unforgettable performances that resonated deeply with audiences.
Headliners included full-house performances by ‘The Best of Kitaro Live World Tour’ on Day 1 and Dato’ Zainalabidin on Day 2. The final day of RWMF 2024 was marked by a spectacular closing performance from the Havana Social Club, who enchanted the dancing-crowd of reggae-loving audience.
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According to YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak, “We are proud to highlight the festival’s role in promoting cultural exchange and environmental awareness. In line with the theme ‘EVOLUTION’ this year, RWMF 2024 serves as a platform for advocating sustainable tourism and conservation practices. This year, the festival fulfilled its promise to be a melting pot of diverse cultures, a platform for exchange of ideologies, and environmental initiatives, elevating its significance to reach out to the younger generation.”
The Minister added that RWMF 2025 will be held from 20th June to the 22nd June in 2025.
The RWMF’s dedication to sustainability was amplified by the “Green Ruai,” a dedicated area which showcased innovations in sustainable practices through partnership with key parties like Sarawak Energy, Eco Green Planet and Sarawak Forestry Corporation. This further exemplified Sarawak Tourism Board’s (STB) advocacy of responsible tourism including setting up of eco-stations for recycling, increased number of water station to ensure no single-use plastic bottles were used and free shuttle buses to reduce carbon emissions. These initiatives inspired positive change for a more environmentally conscious future.
The RWMF 2024 has not only solidified its position as a premier global music event but has also reinforced its role as a leader in promoting sustainability and cultural exchange. As the festival bade farewell to this year’s attendees, it left behind a legacy of transformative experiences and a vision for a more sustainable future. The RWMF’s successful execution of sustainability initiatives was evident in the immaculate festival grounds, free of litter, shortly after the concerts concluded.
Prior to the RWMF2024, STB had organised the inaugural Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS) 2024, from 26th to 28th June, which involved 1000 participants from 10 ASEAN countries, representing over 40 ASEAN universities. The thrust of the Summit was very much in line with the RWMF 2024, emphasising Sarawak’s dedication to engage the youth in sustainability and conservation efforts. Moving forward, RAYS will be organised by STB on an annual basis. The Summit will be held based on a 3-year cycle, where Sarawak will play host for two consecutive years. It is STB’s hope that one of the ASEAN countries will agree to host for the 3rd year. This cycle will subsequently be repeated in Sarawak and a different ASEAN country. RAYS, which is set to be another iconic event under the STB initiative, was a resounding success, serving as a platform for youth empowerment, indigenous voice and creative advocacy, with strong emphasis on sustainability.
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The RWMF2024 was supported by sponsors including Malaysian Aviation Group, TVS, Carlsberg, Media Exchange, Gelumbang Jaya Sdn Bhd, Mitsubishi Malaysia, The Waterfront Hotel and Plaza Merdeka, Etika Sdn Bhd (Pepsi), Cuckoo, MYUS AUTOTECH SDN BHD, SACOFA, Sarawak Energy Berhad, Hertz (Sime Darby Car Rental), AFFIN, and MyCar E-hailing, demonstrating the strong commercial backing and international recognition of the festival. This year’s ticket-purchasers stood a chance to win prizes including a Mitsubishi Triton 4X4 VGT AT Premium, through collaboration with Mitsubishi Malaysia and an Ebixon Bold EV Bike, through collaboration with MYUS AUTOTECH. Winners will be announced soon by STB, through social media and print media.
The Rainforest World Music Festival 2024 is not just a celebration of music and culture; it is a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. It was an occasion to meet new people across the globe, come together to enjoy the music, form new friendships, celebrate our diverse cultures, and protect our planet.
