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
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