KUCHING: The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) will continue evolving to meet changing audience expectations while preserving the indigenous and traditional music that has defined the festival for nearly three decades.
Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chairman Datuk Dennis Ngau said organisers are constantly introducing new elements to ensure the festival remains relevant to newer generations without compromising its cultural identity.
“Every year, we have been trying to put in additional elements based on current preferences and the needs of the current generation.
“At the same time, indigenous music, which you do not find anywhere else in the world, remains our biggest strength and we will continue to showcase it here,” he said during a press conference held in conjunction with the opening day of RWMF 2026 at the Sarawak Cultural Village on Friday (June 26).
Dennis also stressed that RWMF will continue to be held in Sarawak, as the state’s unique cultural landscape and heritage are integral to the festival’s identity and success.
“Sarawak is the heart of RWMF, and its cultural richness is something that cannot be replicated elsewhere,” he said.
Dennis said the balance between innovation and authenticity has helped RWMF maintain its appeal among returning festivalgoers while attracting new audiences from around the world.
He said the festival’s uniqueness lies in its ability to bring together indigenous and traditional music from Sarawak and beyond, offering visitors cultural experiences that distinguish it from conventional music festivals.
Dennis added that STB will continue refining the festival’s programming in line with changing trends while ensuring indigenous performances remain at the heart of the event.
Meanwhile, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the Sarawak Government remains committed to preserving the cultures, traditions and heritage of all ethnic communities in the state.
“Every ethnic group contributes to Sarawak’s cultural richness, making festivals such as RWMF an important platform for celebrating and sustaining the state’s diverse musical heritage,” he said.
