KUCHING: The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2025 will feature the Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay as one of its main headliners.
The festival is set to take place from June 20 to 22 at the Sarawak Cultural Village.
Led by Grammy-winning guitarist Al McKay, a former member of the legendary group Earth, Wind & Fire, the dynamic ensemble will revive the band’s iconic funk, soul, and jazz sounds.
Joining the line-up, Russian indigenous band Otyken will also take centre stage, blending throat singing, tribal rhythms, and traditional folk instruments with modern electronic elements, offering an immersive musical experience rooted in Siberian traditions.
Meanwhile, Sarawakian band At Adau is the festival’s third headliner. Known for their traditional Sape’ melodies and tribal percussion, the band merges Borneo’s ethnic heritage with contemporary world music, creating a truly unique sound.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah highlighted the festival’s 2025 theme, “Connections: One Earth, One Love,” which reflects shared humanity, cultural unity, and nature appreciation through music.
“With 170 performers from 20 countries, this year’s festival promises an unparalleled fusion of world-class talent and indigenous artistry.
“Our headline acts embody the essence of ‘Connections,’ weaving together rhythms, traditions, and stories from across the globe.
“These extraordinary performers, deeply rooted in their cultural heritage, will create a musical bridge linking generations, nations, and traditions into a shared celebration of harmony,” he said.
He made these remarks during the RWMF 2025 launch at Theater Hotel today (Feb 28).
Following last year’s record-breaking attendance of 26,000 festival-goers, Abdul Karim revealed that RWMF 2025 aims to attract 30,000 attendees, reinforcing the festival’s role as a key driver of Sarawak’s cultural economy and tourism industry.
He also invited festival-goers to experience an immersive cultural journey that connects them to heritage, sustainability, and wellbeing.
“This includes cultural encounters, a vibrant festival ground at Damai Central, sustainability initiatives, reforestation efforts, and eco-stations for waste reduction,” he added.
Early bird tickets will be on sale from March 8 to 31 at exclusive rates: One-Day Pass (Adult): RM235; Three-Day Pass (Adult): RM635; Pre-sale Prices: RM283 (One-Day), RM765 (Three-Day); Door Sale Prices: RM333 (One-Day), RM835 (Three-Day); Child Passes (Ages 3-12): RM80; Children under 3: Free entry; and Group Discounts: Starting at RM250 per ticket.
