The internationally acclaimed Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) is set to return to the Sarawak Cultural Village from 26 to 28 June 2026, bringing together world-class music, cultural experiences and the unique spirit of Borneo for its 29th edition.

Recently ranked eighth in the Top 10 Festivals globally by the Transglobal World Music Chart, the festival continues to cement its reputation as one of the world’s premier music events, attracting artists and festivalgoers from across the globe against the picturesque backdrop of Mount Santubong.

This year’s headline acts include Malaysian music icon Dato’ M. Nasir, who will perform on 26 June. Renowned for his poetic songwriting and distinctive blend of traditional Malay influences with contemporary music, the legendary singer, songwriter and producer has shaped the Malaysian music scene for more than four decades. 

Image: STB

Image: STB

Joining him are The Commodores featuring Thomas McClary on 27 June, while internationally acclaimed British acid jazz band Incognito will close the festival on 28 June. More than 200 performers from 12 countries are expected to take part, with additional artists to be announced in the coming weeks.

The festival will also shine a spotlight on regional artists who are keeping cultural traditions alive through contemporary music. 

Thai ensemble ASIA7, known for blending classical court music and regional folk traditions with modern influences, described performing at RWMF as a long-held dream.

“RWMF is one of the most important festivals in the world music scene, and performing there has always been a dream for us,” the band said.

Image: STB

“This year, ASIA7 hopes to share a part of that beauty through our music, and to bring audiences not only joy and excitement, but also a meaningful cultural experience through our performance, they added. 

South Korea’s Insun Park & Generals  will also bring a unique interpretation of Korean traditional performing arts to Sarawak. Drawing inspiration from shamanic traditions, Talchum and traditional vocal expression, the group believes cultural heritage should continue evolving with each generation.

“We do not see tradition as something fixed or preserved in the past. We believe tradition is something alive and constantly evolving,” the group said. “Rather than simply recreating the past, our focus is on allowing tradition to live again in the present.”

Performing at RWMF is also an opportunity to foster cultural exchange.

“Performing in a place like Sarawak, where many cultures come together, means more than simply introducing Korean culture,” Insun Park & Generals said. “It is less about showing differences and more about sharing the human energy and connection that exist beneath them.”

Image: STB

ASIA7 echoed similar sentiments, saying the festival provides an opportunity not only to present the spirit of Thai music to international audiences but also to learn from the diverse cultures and musical traditions represented at RWMF.

The Philippines will also be represented by Drum Up, a band from Mindanao that fuses world percussion traditions and indigenous-inspired rhythms with heavy guitar riffs, powerful basslines and contemporary world music elements. The group said its music reflects the rich cultural diversity of Mindanao while embracing innovation.

“Our sound is rooted in world percussion traditions and indigenous-inspired rhythmic influences, which we fuse with heavy guitar riffs, powerful basslines, and contemporary world music elements,” the band said. “We believe tradition should continue to grow and evolve.”

For Drum Up, performing at RWMF is both an honour and an opportunity to showcase the richness of Mindanao’s musical heritage to an international audience.

“Representing our culture at RWMF is both an honor and a responsibility,” the band said. 

Image: STB

“Performing on a global stage like RWMF gives us the opportunity to connect with audiences beyond language and borders through rhythm, energy, and shared human experience.”

The band also sees strong similarities between Sarawak and Mindanao, where traditions remain deeply rooted in music, storytelling and community life.

“Performing in Sarawak is inspiring because it highlights the deep connection between culture, community, and nature,” Drum Up said. “It reminds us that music is a living tradition that grows stronger through cultural exchange and collaboration.”

Looking ahead, Drum Up believes ASEAN artists will continue shaping the future of world music by preserving cultural heritage while embracing new sounds and creative collaborations.

“We believe ASEAN artists will continue contributing to the global music scene by showing that cultural identity and innovation can exist side by side, creating music that is both deeply rooted and universally relatable,” the band added.

The festival is also known for its immersive daytime programme, featuring more than 50 workshops, cultural demonstrations and intimate music sessions where audiences can engage directly with musicians and discover the stories behind their instruments and traditions.

Image: Azrina Zin

Image: Azrina Zin

RWMF 2026 will introduce a BIMP-EAGA gastronomy showcase highlighting the culinary heritage of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, giving festivalgoers the opportunity to sample authentic regional flavours alongside the music.

Sustainability remains a key pillar of the festival through initiatives including Green Ruai, Green Warriors and the EcoGreen Planet tree-planting programme. Since 2023, more than 6,000 trees have been planted across conservation areas, with the initiative expected to reach 10,000 trees this year ahead of its original 2027 target.

Image: STB

Speaking on the festival, YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak, described RWMF as “more than a music festival”, calling it “a gathering of cultures, a meeting of artistic traditions, and a platform where musicians from around the world come together to share stories through rhythm, melody, and heritage.”

Early Bird tickets are available until 31 March 2026, with one-day passes priced at RM235 and three-day passes at RM635. Tickets can be purchased through the official festival website and Ticketmelon, while Buy Now Pay Later options are also available through selected digital payment platforms.

THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN