KUCHING, June 20: Festivalgoers at the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2023 will have an incredible chance to participate in a historic record-breaking event.
The Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) will witness the gathering of “Most Percussionists in a Music Festival” during the festival’s three-day duration, from June 23rd to 25th, 2023.
The spectacular attempt will occur at the festival grounds located in the Sarawak Cultural Village, with the festivities commencing daily at 4.45pm.
Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) CEO Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor said the art of drumming have deep cultural roots within many societies around the world, each with its own strong drumming tradition that has spanned generations.
“Through this historic drumming circle record-breaking event, we aim to unite as many people as possible whose drumming traditions may differ from one another to connect with each other by playing the same rhythmic beats, sending a strong message of unity, togetherness and oneness.
“We aim to set this new MBOR entry over the course of three days and we invite all festivalgoers to be part of this event which not only emphasises on harmony, but communicates it through acts that remind us of responsible and sustainable practices for a fulfilling RWMF experience,” she added.
She added festivalgoers are welcome to bring along their own percussion instruments, or they can also use household items such as pails, pots, pans, bottles or any other materials that can be drummed to produce percussive sounds.
Sharzede noted upcycling items as percussion instruments would be in line with the festival’s role in promoting the concept of Responsible Tourism and values of sustainability through a ‘green’ event that contributes to the conservation of the environment and local heritage
“Drumming circles involve one person leading a group of percussionists with a variety of percussion instruments to start with a steady beat as others listen, and then gradually play improvised rhythms together.
“Participants of drum circles do not need to have musical experience, as long as they can listen to and connect with each other musically,” she pointed out.
Festivalgoers also can learn drumming techniques or how to build their own percussion instruments from sustainable materials by attending the daytime workshops between 2pm to 5.45pm conducted by RWMF performers prior to the drumming circle event.
Come join the daytime workshops: Community Drumming by Kumi Matsunaga, Syed, Edwin Nathaniel and Shameer; and Bamboo Instruments Building by Rizal Hadi on Day 1; Traditional African Drumming & Dance Techniques by Safi Theatre, and Bamboo Ensemble by Buloh Berkocak on Day 2; and Indian Drumming Styles & Rhythmic Exercises by Chatusram and Kelantanese Wayang Kulit Drumming by Geng Wak Long on Day 3.
Info on the full workshop schedule is available at rwmf.net. – TVS
