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

taken from Malay Mail 27 June 2026

Malaysian music legend Datuk M Nasir performs for thousands of visitors from around the world at the main stage of the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) in Kuching, June 27, 2026. — Bernama pic

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

AI sekadar alat bantu berkarya – M. Nasir

 petikan TVS 27 Jun 2026

By Izzah Kamilah Yunus

KUCHING, 27 Jun: Teknologi Kecerdasan Buatan (AI) disifatkan sebagai satu alat yang boleh membantu proses berkarya, namun kesan sebenar teknologi itu terhadap industri muzik masih belum dapat dipastikan.

Penyanyi dan komposer terkenal tanah air Dato M. Nasir berkata, perdebatan mengenai penggunaan AI dalam penciptaan lagu, lirik dan karya seni masih berlangsung, justeru belum ada jawapan muktamad mengenai peranannya dalam industri kreatif.

“Perbincangan dan perdebatan mengenai perkara ini masih berterusan. Kalau saya hendak memberikan jawapan yang terus terang, mungkin saya belum ada jawapannya.

“Apabila AI mula diperkenalkan dalam dunia teknologi, saya cuma menganggap AI itu sebagai satu alat. Bagi saya, ia hanyalah satu alat (tool),” katanya pada sidang media sempena Festival Muzik Hutan Hujan Sedunia (RWMF) 2026 di sini, semalam.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika diminta mengulas penggunaan AI oleh segelintir penggiat industri muzik untuk menghasilkan lagu dan lirik, namun masih menggelarkan diri mereka sebagai pencipta karya.

Menurutnya sebagaimana perkembangan teknologi digital yang mengubah landskap industri muzik sebelum ini, AI juga dijangka memberi kesan terhadap dunia penciptaan karya.

“Ia akan memberi kesan kepada dunia perkaryaan dan penciptaan lagu, seperti mana dunia digital telah memberi kesan kepada penciptaan muzik,” katanya lagi.

Beliau bagaimanapun berpandangan perkembangan AI perlu terus diperhatikan kerana teknologi itu berpotensi mengubah landskap industri kreatif pada masa hadapan namun buat masa ini ia masih berfungsi sebagai medium yang membantu proses penghasilan karya. – TVS

M Nasir To Headline Rainforest World Music Festival 2026. Here’s What Else You Can Expect

 taken from SAYS 19 March 2026

By Yap Wan Xiang 

The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) returns for its 29th edition this June, and leading the lineup is none other than Malaysian music legend Datuk M Nasir

Set against the lush backdrop of Mount Santubong, the festival will take place from 26 to 28 June at the Sarawak Cultural Village.

M Nasir will headline the opening night on 26 June. With over four decades in the industry, he is widely known for his poetic songwriting and unique ability to blend traditional Malay elements with modern sounds, making him one of the most influential figures in Malaysia's music scene.

Other major acts include:

• The Commodores (featuring Thomas McClary): 27 June

• Incognito led by Jean-Paul 'Bluey' Maunick: 28 June

• More international and regional acts to be announced

• Over 200 performers from 12 countries are expected

Beyond music, the festival also features immersive daytime experiences, with over 50 workshops, cultural demonstrations, and intimate mini sessions

Festivalgoers can take part in interactive sessions where musicians share the stories behind their instruments and traditions, while also engaging with the audience in spontaneous collaborations.

There is also a special Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) gastronomy showcase, featuring dishes from across these countries in a single venue.

"The Rainforest World Music Festival has, for many years, stood as one of Sarawak's most distinctive cultural celebrations.

"It is more than a music festival; it is 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," said Datuk Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak minister of tourism, creative industry and performing arts.

Here are the ticket details:

• Early Bird sale began 13 March 2026

• Prices:

— RM235 (one-day pass)

— RM635 (three-day pass)

• Purchase tickets on Ticketmelon here or the RWMF official website here

• Buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) options:

— Atome

— Grab PayLater

— Shopee PayLater