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| APPRECIATION: Abang Johari (left) hands over a souvenir to one of the participating bands as Rashid (second left) and Talib (third left) look on. |
by Nurul Amarlina, theborneopost.com Posted on July 9, 2011, Saturday
KUCHING: The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2011 unites the world through music which transcends all barriers, says Tourism and Heritage Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said music carries the message of peace, and that the interaction among the people who attended such an event help promote understanding and unity.
“I invite everyone to come and see what Sarawak has to offer as we want to share with you our cultures while at the same time learn from you of your country.
“This interaction, I’m sure, will definitely promote an understanding amongst us and, when it’s cemented, I think the world will be at peace,” he said to a deafening applause by performers and the media boys during the launching ceremony of RWMF 2011 at the Kuching Waterfront Godown Amphitheatre on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Datuk Rashid Khan said RWMF represented a platform to promote Sarawak’s rich cultural identities and its appeals as a tourist destination.
“RWMF has been voted for the second consecutive year as the ‘Top 25 Best International Festivals’ by renowned world music magazine ‘Songlines’ in the UK. This award elevates its status in the international music scene as a festival which has well and truly put Sarawak on the world tourism map,” he said at the function.
Also present at the ceremony was Assistant Minister for Tourism Datuk Talib Zulpilip. Among the highlights of the evening were a preview performance by Joaquin Diaz from Dominican Republic and the state’s own ‘Masters of the Sape’.
This year’s RWMF is the 14th time it has been organised. It started at the Sarawak Cultural Village yesterday and ends tomorrow. A total of 22 bands are participating this year.
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