Sarawak’s Rainforest Music Fest Gets Gipsy King for 2023 Edition

The storied Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) in Sarawak is getting Grammy-nominated French flamenco fusion band Gipsy Kings for its 2023 edition.

Hailing from Arles and Montpellier in the south of France, the group is known for performing mostly in Catalan, a European dialect of the most curious origins. With flamenco, salsa, and rumba as their main inspirations, Gipsy Kings may be French, but they bring a serious Latin energy to the stage.

As for the event, RWMF is equal parts about Sarawak culture and the non-traditional, as well as local, musical guests. And beyond the good times, RWMF is also a pioneer in advocating local talent and climate friendliness. In a report by Bernama on April 3, Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts minister, had this to say about the event’s mission:

“Sarawak is proud to reflect on how far the RWMF has traversed its humble beginnings with merely 300 spectators for its first-ever concert back in 1998 to become a Star Festival. RWMF has grown over the years and has now also become a strong ‘advocate’ of Responsible Tourism initiatives.”

Ninety-six musicians from 12 countries will visit the Land of the Hornbills, with the festival running from June 23-25 at the Sarawak Cultural Village.

For more information, please visit RWMF’s website or Facebook page.