Siberian sensation Otyken electrifies the RWMF 2025 stage with a powerful fusion of Indigenous sound and modern beats
Over 200 musicians from 20 countries bring diverse rhythms to Sarawak Cultural Village
London. June 2025 - The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2025 opened in spectacular fashion, setting the tone for an uplifting and unifying weekend under this year’s theme, ‘Connections: One Earth, One Love’.
Now in its 28th edition, RWMF continues to evolve beyond the music, offering an immersive journey that bridges continents, cultures, and communities through rhythm, sustainability, and shared humanity.
Held at the iconic Sarawak Cultural Village against the backdrop of Mount Santubong, the festival welcomed a vibrant mix of local and international guests. Over 200 musicians from 20 countries took part this year, offering a blend of traditional and contemporary music, spanning from West African percussion to Māori soul, Indigenous chants, and modern fusion.
The headline performance by Otyken was a standout moment on Day 1, entrancing the crowd with a powerful blend of Siberian Indigenous vocals, throat singing, and modern electronic fusion. Thailand’s The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band brought their signature psychedelic Molam groove to the stage, while Sarawak’s own Meruked added emotional depth with their evocative blend of Bornean heritage and post-rock soundscapes.
“This year’s theme, ‘Connections: One Earth, One Love’ is more than a slogan – it is our call to action,” CEO of Sarawak Tourism Board, Sharzede Datu Hj Salleh Askor said, “We are not just gathering for music, we are here to celebrate unity, honour the Earth, and amplify the message of sustainability through cultural exchange. The world needs connection now more than ever.”
Day 1 also marked the closing of the Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS) 2025, which saw youth leaders from across the region participate in sustainability workshops, cultural dialogues, and creative exchanges. The transition from RAYS to RWMF underlined the continuity between young voices and global rhythms – a powerful connection that defines the festival’s spirit.
RWMF 2025 continues to be a beacon of environmental stewardship. Building on its previous achievements, the festival reaffirmed its commitment to planting 10,000 trees by 2027, with a portion of every ticket going towards reforestation programmes. Single-use plastics are banned on-site, and visitors are encouraged to refill, reuse, and recycle through clearly marked Eco Stations and water stations.
Supported by an array of dedicated sponsors and partners, the festival unites music lovers, environmental advocates, and changemakers in a shared mission of connection, conservation, and celebration. Leading the way are Diamond Sponsors and Official Airline Partners, Malaysia Airlines and Firefly, alongside Official Broadcast Partner, TVS. Platinum Sponsors include AmBank Group (Official Banking Partner), Proton, Cuckoo, Plaza Merdeka, The Waterfront Hotel, and Carlsberg.
Adding to the celebration are Gold Sponsor and Non-Alcoholic Beverages Partner, Pepsi, and Silver Sponsors such as Rip Curl (Official Apparel), MyCar (E-Hailing Partner), and Sarawak Energy and SD Guthrie International (Sustainability Partners). The festival is also supported by Trienekens as a Partner & Supporter, and Cats FM as a Media partner.
As the festival unfolded over the weekend, audiences were treated to performances that transcended boundaries, workshops that opened minds, and moments that connected hearts – a true tribute to one Earth, one love.
For further information, please visit: www.sarawaktourism.com
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About Sarawak, Gateway to Borneo:
A kaleidoscope of culture, adventure, nature, food and festivals: is the best description for Sarawak. Sarawak comprises 34 ethnic tribes with their own unique traditions, lifestyles, music and food, while sharing their warm hospitality. Malaysia’s largest state, Sarawak, endowed with some of the oldest rainforests on Earth. Its vast landscape spans over 120,000 sq kms, with towering mountains and cool highlands, jagged limestone formations and mysterious cave systems, winding rivers and quiet beaches; where adventures are waiting to happen. Festivals are hosted throughout the year celebrate the eclectic blend of modern and traditional culture, food, music and religious practices that can be found nowhere else. In Sarawak, there is always ‘More to Discover’.
About Sarawak Tourism Board
Sarawak Tourism Board is the key promoter for Sarawak. STB is a winner of the Asia Pacific Excellence Awards 2016 by Asia-Pacific Association of Communications Directors (APACD) and has received the ASEAN PR Excellence Award 2015 Gold Award. The Rainforest World Music Festival is a five-time Top 25 Best International Festivals recognised by Songlines World Music Magazine (2011 – 2015). Meanwhile, the Rainforest World Music Festival and Borneo Jazz Festival Virtual Experiences were recognised by World Responsible Tourism Awards 2021 as ‘Ones to Watch’ under Destinations Building Back Better Post-Covid and the virtual experience of the 2021 Rainforest World Music Festival won the PATA Gold Awards 2022 under Sustainability and Social Responsibility Category for Culture. Sarawak Tourism Board also won the Golden City Gate 2019 five-star award, Marketing Excellence Awards 2021 for Excellence in Mobile Marketing (bronze) and PATA Gold Awards 2022 its destination video entitled ‘A Journey Awaits’ under the marketing category.
STB was honoured with the "Nation’s Pride Award" in Tourism Promotion Excellence at the BrandLaureate BestBrands Awards for the year 2022-2023. Additionally, at the Malaysia Public Relations Awards (MPRA) 2023, STB's campaign for the Rainforest World Music Festival titled "The Comeback Stronger Brand Story" was recognized with the Campaign of the Year award. STB also secured the Gold Award for Product Brand Development (B2C) under the theme "Comeback Stronger", acknowledging its compelling narrative emphasizing sustainability practices. STB received the Best Global PR Campaign Award at the DAVOS World Communications Forum Award (WCFA) 2023.
In 2024, STB was awarded the Bronze Award in the Transportation, Travel & Tourism category at the Putra Aria Brand Awards and the Special Award for Covid-19 (Sia Sitok Sarawak) at the Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Award 2024. STB also received the Tourism Board Campaign of the Year - Malaysia at the Travel Daily Media: Travel Trade Excellence Awards, along with two accolades at the Malaysia Public Relations Awards (MPRA) 2024: Product Brand Development B2C - From Local to Global: Sia Sitok empowers Sarawak’s tourism players, boosting local economies, and Campaign of the Year for the same initiative.
Additionally, STB was named Brand of the Year in Tourism Promotion & Development at The BrandLaureate Brand of the Year Award 2024, and Sarawak was recognized with the Most Promising New Destination award at the OTM’s Excellence Award 2025.
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