KUCHING: The organisers of the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2026 have announced the first three headline acts set to perform at the internationally acclaimed festival this June.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the line-up reflects the festival’s enduring role as a platform that celebrates global musical diversity while highlighting regional talent.
“Every edition of the Rainforest World Music Festival brings together an extraordinary line-up of performers whose music transcends borders, cultures and generations.
“For the 2026 edition, we are proud to present a line-up that reflects the global spirit of the festival, bringing together international legends, timeless musical influences and icons from our own region,” he said when officiating at the RMWF launch event today.
The first three headline acts will be Malaysian music icon M. Nasir, legendary American funk and soul band The Commodores featuring founding member Thomas McClary, and internationally renowned British band Incognito led by Jean-Paul ‘Bluey’ Maunick.
Opening the festival on June 26, M. Nasir will bring more than four decades of musical influence on the RWMF stage.
Widely respected as a singer, songwriter, composer and producer, he is known for his poetic lyrics and philosophical themes, blending traditional Malay elements with contemporary sounds that have helped shape the Malaysian music landscape.
Taking the stage on June 27, The Commodores will deliver a performance celebrating their enduring legacy in the funk and soul genre.
The band rose to global fame with timeless classics such as ‘Easy’, ‘Three Times a Lady’ and ‘Brick House’, and their live performances continue to captivate audiences around the world.
Completing the trio of headliners on June 28 is Incognito, whose groove-driven sound combines elements of soul, funk, world rhythms and dance music.
Abdul Karim said the band’s music, known for its strong bass lines, rich harmonies, expressive vocals and vibrant horn sections, creates an uplifting and engaging atmosphere for audiences.
He said the announcement marks only the beginning, with more exciting artists expected to be revealed in the coming weeks as anticipation builds for the 2026 edition of the festival.
“Together, these artists represent the diversity and dynamism of world music, bringing global sounds and regional influences that reflect the spirit of the Rainforest World Music Festival,” he concluded.
