The Borneo Broadcaster talks to Yeoh Jun Lin, Artistic Director of the RWMF.

The Rainforest World Music Festival is coming and soon, it's happening on August the 7th to the 9th at The Sarawak Cultural Village and this year just like years past, looks to be another great festival.  Apart from the Workshops, the afternoon Theater Stage performances and the evening concerts, I found out that there will be more surprises in store for us when I spoke to Yeoh Jun Lin, Artistic Director of the Rainforest World Music Festival.  

You can listen to our conversation by clicking on this link: https://soundcloud.com/the-borneo-broadcast/rainforest-world-music-festival-2015

Have a listen and find out what's in store for you in this year's Rainforest World Music Festival, remember the dates August 7th to the 9th at the Sarawak Cultural Village.  Thanks for dropping by for another Borneo Broadcast, until next time, take care!

The formation of Marah Sarawak.

Hi, this edition of the Borneo Broadcast brings you an interview regarding the formation of Marah Sarawak, if you're wondering what exactly is Marah Sarawak, well, wonder no more, I had the importunity to talk to the Founder of Marah, Dave Avran.

 To listen to that conversation, just go to: https://soundcloud.com/the-borneo-broadcast/marah-sarawak

Thanks for dropping by, thanks for taking the time to listen to this broadcast.  See you again next time.

Get a Free T Shirt when you get your tickets for the Rainforest World Music Festival 2015.

Yep, that's right when you purchase your ticket for the Rainforest World Music Festival 2015, you will get a free T Shirt.  The organisers of the festival, The Sarawak Tourism Board is offering a Free T Shirt when you purchase Two entrance tickets for adults and children for the RWMF 2015.  Now you may be asking where can I get these tickets?  Well the RWMF tickets will be available this weekend at a number of shopping malls in Kuching.

There will be booths selling the RWMF tickets at The Spring, Boulevard Kuching, City One Megamall, the Green Heights Mall and Plaza Merdeka.  These booths will open at 10.00 am on Saturday and Sunday (July 25th and 26th 2015).  The current promotion rate for single entry tickets is RM 110.00 for adults and RM 50.00 for children ( aged 7 to 12 years).

Also available are the three day entrance tickets priced at RM 300.00 for adults and RM 130.00 for children.  There is also a Family Package for Two Adults and Two children day pass available for RM 220.00.

Here's a look at the T Shirts you will get when you purchase two tickets for the RWMF 2015.

The Rainforest World Music Festival 2015 will take place at the Sarawak Cultural Village from the 7th to the 9th of August 2015.  This year the festival will feature local and international bands as they take to the stage to entertain you. 

For further details, go to www.rwmf.net/

Don't miss this award winning festival coming your way 7th to the 9th of August 2015, I hope to see you there!

The Rainforest World Music Festival 2015: Sangpuy to trace his Dayak Heritage Similarities at the RWMF 2015

The Rainforest World Music Festival 2015 is just around the corner.  Will you be there?  This year as in past years, festival goers will be in for a treat as the world will be in Borneo for this annual festival.  Among them, we have a performer from Taiwan. 

Believed to be descendants of the Austronesian Tribes from Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Madagascar and the Pacific Islands, this Taiwanese Aborigine will be at the RWMF to showcase his musical presentation reflecting one of the oldest surviving cultures that includes the practice of headhunting, a passion for tattoos, animism and reverence for the natural world. 

His name is Sangpuy and he will be here to share his many musical similarities with the Dayaks of Borneo.

Sangpuy is bringing back the traditional music of the aborigines of his country, his music creates a quiet spiritual atmosphere evoking the blessings of ancestors and the origins of life.  Sangpuy also sings in praise of  ancient ceremonies from a time when the gods of the natural world were respected. From an early age Sangpuy felt an attraction to the music of the tribe.

Also known as Sangpuy Katatepan Mavaliyw, he describes himself as an old soul in a young body who presents the ancient music of the Pinuyumayan tribe.  He was born and raised in the Pinuyumayan community of Katatipul in Taitung.    His voice is truly mesmerizing, his unique chant combined with the traditional instruments of the Pinuyumayan tribe, Sangpuy stages a transcendent experience transporting his audience to a place where the indigenous people sees the wind as a friend where they live side by side with nature and it's spirits. 

Sangpuy sees his music as a medium to promote and preserve the culture of his tribe and has performed in music festivals and events in may different parts of the world.  That includes performing at the "Riddu Riddu" music festival in Norway. 

Apart from performing, Sangpuy also makes traditional instruments such as the nose flute and the mouth harp, a typical instrument used by Taiwan's indigenous people.  These instruments make a sound that is unique to Taiwan. 

Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience and enjoy the music of Sangpuy from Taiwan.  Remember the Rainforest World Music Festival 2015 happens for three days at the Sarawak Cultural Village from the 7th to the 9th of August 2015 right here in Borneo.  For details on the performers, tickets, transportation and anything else, just go to www.rwmf.net/

So are you going to be there on the 7th to the 9th of August?  I hope to see you there, thanks for dropping by for The Borneo Broadcast.  Until next time, take care.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri!

Hi, I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahir Dan Batin from yours truly The Borneo Broadcaster!

Selamat Hari Raya to all.  Have a safe celebration.  Take Care.

Something New at the Rainforest World Music Festival 2015

Each year the organizers of this festival will have something for everyone and this year is no different, the organizers will have something New at RAINFOREST WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL 2015

Here's my question for you: Will you be bringing your children to the Rainforest World Music Festival on 7-9th August 2015? If you are, go and check out the new workshops for children between the ages of 7-12 at the Malay House.

These workshops which will run concurrently with the other workshops in Iban Longhouse, Lagenda and Bidayuh Longhouse will, however, be held only on SATURDAY (8th August) and SUNDAY (9th August).

There will be story-telling, paper-craft, simple instrument-making etc. Space in the workshops are limited so make sure you bring the children to the Malay House early.
So looking at the pictures above, it'll be something like that but for more children and I think it'll be fun for the children at the RWMF.  The workshops, which will be from 2.00-2.45pm, 3.00-3.45pm and 4.00-4.45pm, are brought to the Rainforest World Music Festival by Pustaka Bookaroo.

Thank you Sarawak Tourism Board for the pictures.  Remember the site to go to for more information on the RWMF is rwmf.net/ 

Remember the Rainforest World Music Festival 2015 takes place from the 7th to the 9th of August, I hope to see you at the festival! Until next time, take care!

To drive or not to drive to the Rainforest World Music Festival 2015.

To drive or not to drive, each year when the RWMF rolls around, that's the question that everyone thinks about.  The thing is where are you going to park when you get there?  There are just so many things to think about when you drive to Santubong.

Well, if you can't make up your mind, here's something that might help you out. The RWMF 2015 public shuttles, this is for those of you going to the Rainforest World Music Festival on the 7th -9th of August at the Sarawak Cultural Village, here's the public shuttle schedule:

Okay there you go, if you need more info on the festival, bus shuttles and the performers, just go to rwmf.net/ 

See you at the Rainforest World Music Festival 2015, 7th to the 9th of August at the Sarawak Cultural Village.  See you there!!

More on the RWMF, The Rainforest World Music Festival 2015

The Rainforest World Music Festival 2015 will take place on the 7th to the 9th of August 2015.  Once again the Sarawak Cultural Village in Santubong.  Last year the RWMF introduced a third stage to the festival, the Theatre Stage.  The performances in the afternoons are more intimate.  For the festival this year, a number of great performers will be at the Theatre Stage.

One performer making an appearance on the Theatre Stage of the RWMF on Sunday (9th August) at 2.15pm is SONA JOBARTEH from Gambia / UK.

Sona Jobarteh does the unheard of – a woman playing on the majestic kora that is only supposed to be played by men from a griot family.

Here's two video of Sona Jobarteh on youtube.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oToZfPGMMBY&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBx5Ud-wm58 

In 2013, she was featured as a solo vocalist in the movie “Mandela – The Long Walk to Freedom”.
The languid texture of her voice, the meditative gentleness of her songs, the percussive yet melodic plucking of the African harp, the persuasive groove of her rhythm section – a heady mix, indeed.

For more information on the Rainforest World Music Festival 2015, go to rwmf.net/

I'm going to be at the RWMF this year, what about you? I invite you to be at the festival which will be held 7th - 9th of August at Sarawak Cultural Village,Sarawak, Borneo.

Tell A Story Tour in Sarawak.

Recently I had a chance to meet a group of Story Tellers who were in Sarawak as part of a Tell A Story Tour.  The Tell A Story Tour brought together a group of story tellers from Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.  Just before they left Sarawak, I had a chance to have a chat with them.

The Tell A Story Tour was organized by the Pustaka Bookaroo and The Picture Book Fan Club of Kuala Lumpur/ Selangor.  I had a chance to tall to these talented story tellers and the entire conversation can be found on this link: https://soundcloud.com/the-borneo-broadcast/tell-a-story-tour-in-sarawakhttps://soundcloud.com/the-borneo-broadcast/tell-a-story-tour-in-sarawak

It was an interesting chat finding out about the different storytelling cultures from Thailand and Indonesia as well as finding out how the Tell A Story Tour started.  I hope you'll enjoy the interview.  Many thanks goes out to Jo Williams of Pustaka Bookaroo for arranging this interview for the Borneo Broadcast.

The Borneo Broadcast will be back with more just for you next time, until then you take care. 

Cashless Payment at the 2015 Rainforest World Music Festival

Here's another update about the 2015 Rainforest World Music Festival taking place this August the 7th to the 9th at the Sarawak Cultural Village in Sarawak, Borneo.  I personally am looking forward to this yearly event.  Yes, this year the event happens in August, are you ready for this year's Festival? 

Welcome to another Borneo Broadcast.  This year's festival will embark on a cashless payment system where you can make purchases using a "Top Up Card" when you go for your meals and when you visit the Village Mart.  Almost all the Vendors will take part in the cashless payment system.  What happens is you will be tagged with a Radio Frequency Identification Device or RFID wrist band.  The wrist bands are available at the registration counters just before you enter the festival grounds, thus allowing you the festival goer to get your meals and souvenirs without cash. 

Now all you need to do is to "pre purchase" or reload an e-coupon which will then be loaded into your RIFD wrists bands.  Then you can go and make your purchases at the venue.  Where can you get the "Top Ups", well I've been told that Top Up Stations will be available at the Festival grounds, you can buy and reload your e-coupons.  You can get the reloads with cash or using your credit or debit cards only.  Here's something to remember, the purchased value is non refundable if the amount is unused after the RWMF.

Here's a look at the Radio Frequency Identification Device or RFID wrist band. 

Apart from the workshops, the performances in the afternoons and the stage shows, there's also the Village Mart to check out when you're at the festival. They've got some unique items on sale and let's not forget the food as well, everything from Western to Local Cuisine for you to choose.  They're open from 10.00 am to midnight from the 7th to the 9th of August.

Hey have you purchased your tickets yet?  If you have not, then go to www.rwmf.net 

Event Presale tickets are priced at RM 110.00 for Adults, for children it's RM 50.00, the Three Day pass is RM 300.00 for Adults and for Children, the price is RM 130.00.

Drop by again when you can for more updates on the Rainforest World Music Festival, I am the Borneo Broadcaster, saying see you again soon and as always Take Care!

Happy 4th of July!

Now I bet you're wondering why someone from Borneo would be saying: Happy 4th of July.  Well there's a good reason for that.  Last year I was given a once in a lifetime opportunity  to go to the United States Of America.  I spent a total of three weeks in the States.  It was for a program called The International Visitor Leadership Program.  I was given a chance to visit the USA and also learn and experience the culture, the sights and everything about the United States Of America.  

It was an experience I will not forget.  To this day I still think back to October 2014 when I embarked on my trip to the USA.  I still think about the first time I set foot on American Soil, my first stop was Washington DC.  I never imagined I would ever be able to visit Washington DC.  It was here that I met up with some great friends from Malaysia,China, Indonesia, Australia and friends from America. 

Over the course of the next three weeks, I would travel from Washington DC to Phoenix, Arizona to Pensacola, Florida and then my final stop was the Big Apple, New York, New York.

Each stop in each destination was a great experience for me and my friends.  We got a chance to meet so many interesting people.  We had a chance to have a meal in the home of a family in Phoenix, Arizona.  We went "Trick or Treating" on Halloween.  We also went to the Grand Canyon.

I had always seen pictures of the Grand Canyon, seen it in Documentaries and Movies but again I would have never ever dreamed of actually standing here having my photo taken at the Grand Canyon.

Wherever we went, we enjoyed the hospitality and friendliness of everyone we met.  For me personally the three weeks I spent in the US was invaluable.  The experiences I had was invaluable.  The places, people, the food, the weather, the sights and sounds of each city was unforgettable. 

  

These are just 5 shots out of maybe a few hundred shots I took, I still feel I didn't take enough pictures while I was there.  Looking back now, I feel so lucky, humbled and privileged to have been given this once in a lifetime opportunity to visit the United States Of America.  One day soon, I'll tell you more about this wonderful trip I had to the states but today I wanted to take opportunity to wish all my friends in the US, to all the families and friends who welcomed us into their homes and hearts A Happy 4th Of July!  Happy Birthday America.  To the wonderful people who literally did the impossible to get me to the US, I thank you for a great experience, I don't know if I'll ever have another chance like this again but this trip was truly special and unforgettable.

So from the bottom of my heart, The Ol' Borneo Broadcaster once again wishing all my friends in the United States Of America: Happy 4th of July!!!  You take care!

 

RWMF 2015: A mixture of Traditional and Contemporary Sarawak Sounds at RWMF 2015

When the month August comes around, the Sarawak Cultural Village will once again be a hive of music and activity as the Rainforest World Music Festival will bring together performers from around the world for a three day magical event.  Also performing for this year's festival will be three bands from the Land Of The Hornbills.  So for this edition of The Borneo Broadcast, I'm going to introduce the three bands from Sarawak who will be performing for you starting the 7th to the 9th of August. 

First we have Kenwy Yang-Qin Ensemble:

(Kenwy Yang-Qin Ensemble)

Led by Ken Wy who is a master  of the yanggin, a traditional Chinese instrument which originally came from Persia. To carry on with his passion on the uniqueness of the yanggin, he established a Music and Arts Academy in Kuching which allows others to gain an insight into the extreme expressive range and the bright tones of the yanggin, which is also called the hammered dulcimer of China.
At this year’s RWMF, Ken Wy will be performing together with an impressive ensemble of yanggins and percussion bringing traditional Chinese music in its elegant and smooth vibe to the Rainforest.

The next Sarawakian band is Lan E Tuyang, led by Mathew Ngau Jau, famous for his extraordinary skills on Sape and as a story teller. The audience will be taken on a musical journey revealing the life of the inhabitants of the rainforest and their traditional way of life in the olden days. Ngau has been playing the Sape, a traditional instrument, a boat shaped lute since he was little. He is not only an expert on the instrument but also makes Sapes, he paints, dances and is very handy and experienced with the blowpipe. The band’s music is the music of Kenyah from the Orang Ulu tribe in Sarawak and combines the calm and lonesome sound of the Sape with the traditional dances of  Orang Ulu warriors.

(Lan E. Tuyang) 

The third band from Sarawak wants to attract the attention and interest of the young generation in traditional music and instruments and to prove the variety and beauty of its kind, the Sarawakian band Sayu Ateng (meaning “Welcome” in a local dialect) offers a modern and fresh mixture between old and contemporary sounds underlined with a strong Sarawak flavor.

This 8-member group composes their own lyrics and melodies taking their inspiration from nature, landscapes and the stories of Sarawak, preserving the original sound of Sarawak’s tradition and creating a distinct sound which unmistakably symbolizes Borneo. First performing at the Rainforest World Music Festival in 1999, Sayu Ateng will impress the audience once again this year, offering a variety of musical pieces which combine ancient instruments with modern ones, mixing the sounds of Sarawak with Pop and the World Beat thereby bringing the music of the Rainforest to a whole new level of excitement.

(Sayu Ateng)

Entrance tickets are now available on sale and for more information on the festival, please log on to its website at www.rwmf.net  Tickets event-presale is priced at RM 110.00 for single adult and child is priced at RM 50.00 while the three-day entrance is priced at RM 300.00 for adults and RM 130.00 for children.  I'll have more details on the other bands performing for the 2015 Rainforest World Music Festival, so drop by again for more details on the RWMF.  Until next time, as always, take care.