Rainforest World Music Festival 2026 opens to huge crowds as M Nasir steals the spotlight on first night

KUCHING, June 27 — The organisation of the 29th Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) continues to record an overwhelming response as thousands of visitors flocked to the festival venue, thereby solidifying its position as an international-class music and tourism event.

Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the festival’s success proves that RWMF remains one of the most highly anticipated world music events, while also serving as an important platform to promote cultural diversity and the beauty of Sarawak’s natural environment.

He added that the state government is optimistic that the response to the festival will continue to grow ahead of its 30th edition next year, which is expected to be celebrated on a grander scale in conjunction with the festival’s major milestone anniversary.

“Next year, we will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of RWMF, and I know that this festival is indeed very renowned throughout the world.

“If I am not mistaken, this festival ranks among the top 20 best music festivals in the world,” he told reporters when met at the opening ceremony of RWMF 2026 at the Sarawak Cultural Village in Santubong last night. 

According to him, the recognition the festival has received over the years proves its capability to attract both local and international tourists.

A survey by Bernama on the first day of RWMF found a vibrant atmosphere as thousands of visitors from home and abroad flooded the Sarawak Cultural Village to enjoy the music performances, culture, and the unique ethnic heritage on display.

The three-day festival, which began today, will run until Sunday.

As early as late afternoon, visitors began filling the festival grounds to participate in various interactive activities, including traditional music workshops, cultural performances, and sales of local crafts, ahead of the highlight performances by artists from various countries in the evening.

The appearance of the country’s renowned singer and composer, Datuk M Nasir, was also one of the most highly anticipated moments on the opening night of RWMF, as he successfully mesmerised thousands of visitors filling the main stage area.

The high-energy performance saw both local and international visitors singing along to his popular songs, creating a lively and electrifying atmosphere at the international-class music festival.

M Nasir performed with a blend of traditional and contemporary musical elements that define his identity, aligning perfectly with the RWMF concept that highlights cultural diversity and world music.

Thundering cheers from the audience accompanied every song performed, with many visitors capturing the moments on their mobile phones, while others danced to the beat of the music in front of the stage. — Bernama