ands from around the world are gathering in Sarawak for the Rain Forest World Music Festival, which kicks off Friday on the island of Borneo. This year's festival - the first to take place since the recent huge Live Earth concerts - is the 10th to be held in the Sarawak Cultural Village under the shadow of Mount Santubong.
Organizers have marked the event by inviting bands that helped make the festival famous. Among them are acts from Zimbabwe, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Malaysia, Peru, Russia, the United States and Britain. As well as being a major musical occasion, the festival is also important for the attention it focusses on Borneo's rain forests, which have suffered over the years from logging activities and the effects of global warming. Experts have warned that the loss of the forests in Borneo, which are regarded as a unique ecosystem, would put a huge dent in the global economy of Malaysia and Indonesia. Timber exports contribute 8 billion dollars annually to the Indonesian economy, and provide 80 per cent of the plywood used in the United States home building industry. But what better venue to listen to the resounding rhythms of the rain forest than in a living museum dedicated to the preservation of the indigenous cultures on the island of Borneo, say the 2007 festival's organisers. Only a 45-minute drive from Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, and a stone's throw from the quiet beach resort of Santubong, the beautiful 17-acre Sarawak Cultural Village has inhabited replicas of the traditional dwellings found in interior and coastal areas of Sarawak. In doing so it helps preserve the architectural traditions of the many different ethnic groups that constitute the population of the Malaysian state of Sarawak, say officials. In all 20 bands are due to perform at the three-day festival, along with Sarawak musicians, including the Anak Adi' Rurem Kelabit and the Bamboo Band from the Highlands, numbering about 40 musicians. Mah Meri of the Orang Asli tribe in West Malaysia, famous for their masks and costumes when they played at the festival five years ago, will also be here again. Music workshops and other activities will be held during the day in the village's replica longhouses where the public sit on mats while listening to rhythms from around the worldAt night, concerts will be held on a stage built by a lake. Returning to Sarawak will be the Black Umbolosi from Zimbabwe, who performed at the 2002 and 2004 events and were a huge success with their acapella harmonies, gumboots and warrior loincloths. Other performers are England's Doghouse Skiffle Band, the Foghorn Stringband, a bluegrass group from the US, and the majestic throat singers of Tuva, Hunn Huur Tu, who will be teeming up with Russian musicians from Malerija, as they did in 2003.The Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival presents three nights of revelry wtih sparkling performances by world renowned musicians from all the continents on the same stage as indigenous musicians from the interiors of the mythical island of Borneo. The diverse cultural presentation of music and dance provides an overwhelming sense of global community. Informative workshops, and ethno-musical lectures with jamming sessions and mini concerts, followed by evening performances on the main stage has proven to be a hit with audiences, both from near and far. A variety of food and drink stalls, arts and crafts, festival cds by the performing artists all contribute to the fun-filled atmosphere of the festival experience. All takes place in the lush greenery of the Borneo rainforest.
The Festival’s green initiative draws attention to the unique ecosystem of Borneo’s rain forests. The plight of their destruction due to excessive logging practices over the years and the effects of global warming are a key focus of the Festival. The Festival’s venue within the rain forest is the perfect setting for bringing attention to the issues surrounding the ecosystem. This living museum offers attendees the opportunity to feel the rhythms and sounds of one of our earths most beautiful and precious systems. International Artists 2008:- Ross Daly Quartet (Greece)
- Kasai Masai (Congo/UK)
- Hiroshi Motofuji (Japan)
- Oikyataan (India)
- Cholo Valderrama (Colombia)
- New Rope String Band (UK)
- Yakande (Gambia/Guinea)
- Pinikpikan (Philippines)
- Adel Salameh (Palestine)
- Beltaine (Poland)
- Sheldon Blackman and The Love Circle (Trinidad & Tobago)
- Fadomorse (Portugal)
Malyasian Artists 2008:
- Kan’id
- Orchestra Anak Jati Bisaya
- Sarawak Cultural Village
Festival Format:
- Musical workshop in the afternoon and followed by concert at night. An art forum targeted towards students and art enthusiasts includes workshop, exhibition and forum on each day of the festival.
RED CHAMBER - Canada/China Red Chamber straddles traditional and contemporary, whether it be ancient Chinese string band music, bluegrass, or jazz fusion. These virtuosic performers set the stage on fire with hot licks, power and passion! Red Chamber takes its inspiration from the traditional Chinese "Plucked String" repertoire that is seldom if ever heard in the west, to create a unique new sound. Their repertoire spans centuries from Tang Dynasty transcriptions, to modern compositions, with Bluegrass, jazz, and a host of other folk traditions in between. Red Chamber redefine virtuosity while leaving your ears tingling, your eyes shining and your heart soaring!
Web: http://www.mei-han.com/redchamber.html
AKASHA - Malaysia
 | Akasha were the surprise hit of the 2008 Rainforest World Music Festival, and since then they have been in great demand. We are bringing them back again for a encore performance of hot Indian fusion music that is sure to burn up the stage, raise eyebrows and get the audience dancing. Mixing hot Indian percussion with lightening fast guitar licks Akasha redefine Indian music by adding the best of Malay and world influences. Whether on mainstage or in workshops, Akasha present performances of heart, virtuosity, and passion. |
POUM TCHACK - France
| French-folk-gyspy-jazz-world madness, Poum Tchack combine so many styles in one set it is almost possible to describe. They hit the stage like an explosion and turn the energy up from there. Hot guitar and even hotter fiddling driven by an incessant beat, that take you on a wild ride of musical genres and antics that leave you breathless, and wanting more. There is no telling what they will do, but it will be great! This is French music with a world of influences that gives a new meaning to energy. |
LAN-È TUYANG - Sarawak
 | A trio of the most beautifully hypnotic instrument found in Borneo – the sape. These three innovators, each in their own way, have taken this traditional instrument into the future while maintaining its cultural foundations. This ensemble performs some of the most intricate and stunningly beautiful sape music ever heard, and will introduce many innovations that so seamlessly mix with the traditional, they seem to have been played this way for centuries. |
ZAWOSE FAMILY - Tanzania
| The Zawose Family carries on the tradition of one of World Music’s biggest stars: Hukwe Zawose. Signed to England’s Real World Records, Hukwe and his family travelled the world to rave reviews as one of the most unique and entertaining groups. After Hukwe’s passing the family went through many difficult struggles, but have finally re-emerged on the scene to bring their heartfelt music to the world again with all the power and passion of their mentor. With all that they have been through they somehow manage to bring overwhelming joy to the stage. The Zawose Family are truly infectious if not utterly transformational. This is a show not to be missed. Web: http://www.zawose.org/ or http://www.bbc.co.uk/africabeyond/africaonyourstreet/features/19488.shtml |
NOREUMMACHI – Korea
| A new generation of Korean shamanistic drumming comes to our stage with this energetic quintet that combines driving percussion with evocative traditional winds. They have stirred the spirits from the Lincoln Center, to European stages and on to the steppes of Mongolia. This is modern music with deep roots in a powerful tradition that continues to inspire and excite every new generation. Web: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.showvids&friendID= 430917068&n=430917068&MyToken=600433ec-3b76-4140-9ac6-89feeaa0b1d6 |
MOANA & THE TRIBE – New Zealand
| Consistently pushing the boundaries of Maori music, Moana & the Tribe present a wild fusion of contemporary and indigenous music, dance, songs, poi-rhythms and movement, melding traditional and contemporary styles without compromising either. Moana’s lyrics talk about land, culture, and identity, as well as of spirituality, prophecy, and the respect for women…messages that are universal. As a result, Moana & the Tribe is one of the most successful indigenous groups to emerge from the region. They have performed over concerts tours throughout North America, Europe, Russia, and New Caledonia. Moana & the Tribe are the contemporary voice of the Maori tradition, respectfully bringing their deep cultural roots into a new millennium. |
JOUHIORKESTERI – Finland
| The “Horse-Hair Orchestra" is a four-member ensemble whose main instrument is the ancient and unique jouhikko bowed lyre. Like a swarm of raspy fiddles with a slithering, edgy pitch, the sound of the quartet ranges from a large string orchestra to an intimate chamber group, or from a sweaty dance hall band to the otherworldly echoes from the depths of the universe. The jouhikko is the oldest bowed instrument of Europe and almost disappeared, being played by only a handful of musicians in remote villages of Finland and Estonia at the beginning of the twentieth century. Although recently revived the jouhikko is rarely heard outside of Finland. Consisting of three generations of well-established Finnish folk musicians, Jouhiorkesteri are the only ensemble wholly dedicated to presenting this unique and fascinating music to the world. |
MUZSIKAS – Hungary
| With a career spanning 35 years, Muzsikas is the most renowned and popular Hungarian folk music ensemble in the world. Playing in the style of old traditional Hungarian folk bands, their exciting performances transport the audience back to remote Hungarian villages where traditions survive through the centuries. They present the true folk music of Hungary to the international concert stage, the most beautiful melodies of which were considered by Bela Bartok to be equal with the greatest works of music. These include plaintive songs with rhapsodic modal melodies, driving dances that demolish any sense of regular meter, and fiery fiddles over driving drones. Muzsikas have represented Hungary in multiple tours throughout Europe, America, and Austral–Asia. |
INTI-ILLIMANI - Chile
For four decades Inti-Illimani's music has intoxicated audiences around the globe. Wedded in traditional Latin American roots and playing more than 30 wind, string and percussion instruments, Inti-Illimani's compositions are a treasure for the human spirit. Their stunning blend of instrumentals and vocals captures sacred places, people's carnivals, daily lives, loves and pains that weave an extraordinary cultural mural. Inti-Illimani is South America's ambassador of human expression and their music is a powerful link between the land and the people. This unique sound, forged with passion and poetry, is a mantra for peace in the world and within ourselves. Inti-Illimani has shared stages with Peter Gabriel, Bruce Springsteen, Mercedes Sosa, Sting, Wynton Marsalis, John Williams, Mercedes Sosa, Youssou'n'Dour, and Pete Seeger. |
JEFF & VIDA BLUEGRASS BAND – US
| The Jeff & Vida Band’s incredible instrumental fluency exciting approach to stringband music has been a hit nationally and internationally. Their shows span Appalachian bluegrass to alternative country with original timeless ballads, raucous bluegrass barn-burners, and driving acoustic honky-tonk. The material is striking, the arrangements are electrifying, and the result is music that is real, true, and unforgettable. With roots in New Orleans and Nashville and influences from mountain music, old-timey and blues this band is just pure foot stomping fun! |
DAZKARIEH – Portugal
Almost a cult band, Dazkarieh is one of the most active and original Portuguese ensembles, selling out concerts and CDs alike! They are a blend of traditional Portuguese music with influences from around the world played on original and contemporary instruments. Through the years they have finely sculpted a powerful, exciting, and unique sound that keeps audiences on their feet and wide-eyed in excitement. Dazkarieh have won new fans on every tour including those to Spain, Poland, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Estonia, Cape Verde, Canada, and Mexico.
Web: http://www.dazkarieh.com/home.htm
OUDADEN – Morocco
| Oudaden is one of Morocco’s most famous groups performing concerts around the world for over twenty years. They draw their inspiration from traditional Amazigh (Berber) music. Passionately devoted to their roots, Oudaden’s music is an innovative mix of traditional percussion combined with banjo, electric guitar and drums. Their lyrics speak of the subtleties of love as well as the economic and social difficulties of their region. Their sound is infectious, winning audiences worldwide, and they bring an authenticity to the stage that has won the hearts of Morocco, and soon yours. |
ASIKA - Malaysia
Schooled in a host of traditional musical genres including wayang kulit, mak yong, cak lempong and gamelan, Asika combine all these styles and more to create a unique sound that is truly Malaysian. They have performed their distinctive musical blend on tours throughout Malaysia as well as to Europe, North America and Asia. Their driving rhythms support evocative melodies and intricate harmonies, conjuring images of exotic places and distant dreams. With youth, energy, and power, Asika brings their own special form of magic to the stage.
SEKAA JAYA JENGGALA – Indonesia
Drawn from a large Balinese gamelan ensemble, this group performs a host of rare forms of traditional music from this magic island. They will bring some seldom heard, yet beautifully intricate forms of bamboo music to this year’s festival. This is music that speaks of different times and places, both of this world and beyond. It will instantly transport you to a place of beauty, tranquility and magic. The rhythms are fast and furious, the melodies soaring, and the energy unmistakably Bali!
ST. NIKOLAS ORCHESTRA - Poland
The Saint Nicholas Orchestra are dedicated to reviving all aspects of folklore, believing that it can inspire and enrich contemporary culture. The Orchestra acts as a focal point for all people to experience the adventure of discovering folklore. Hiking in the Polish mountains through abandoned valleys, ancient terraced fields, orchards gone wild and forgotten paths, they were inspired to bring the sights and sounds of the past to the present, and on to the future. Yet they depart from the purely traditional, incorporating stylistic elements from many musical cultures. Although the words and melodies are authentic, collected from written and aural archival records, the music has been transformed by many sources. Yet it is still a genuine continuation of a living folk tradition with the vitality and liveliness of the original music. The Orchestra has played over 1,000 concerts at many of Europe’s top festivals - this will be their first performance in Asia.
