Rainforest World Music Festival 2008

As a participating artist at the Folk Art Forum, I was invited to the launch of Rainforest World Music Festival 2008 at Sarawak Tourism Complex (The Old Court House) on the evening of 10th July. After the launching ceremony, we were treated to a buffet dinner and to add more flavour to the party, Fadomorse from Portugal performed for all the guests.



Too bad it rained very heavily at the start of the concert and I missed the performance of the first 3 bands, I think. Due to the downpour, the field in front of the main stage became very very soggy and muddy. However, this makes it even more exciting I guess for those who were eager to party regardless of the state of the ground they're dancing on. People started to throw mud at each other and they ended up having a mud bath!! haa!

Silly mud fights aside, the music was fantastic! I trully enjoyed them all although I don't know any of the bands. Sadly, I didn't go to the second and final nites but I heard the Japanese drummer was awesome... too bad, may be I'll go to next year's again :)

More photos in my facebook album

Folk Art Forum 2008

I was invited to take part in this inaugural art forum cum exhibition, held from July 10th to 13th 2008, in conjunction with the Rainforest World Music Festival.

At first, I find it a bit weird when I was introduced in the local press as a representative from Singapore when I am a Sarawakian but now residing in Singapore, probably an identity crisis of some sort eh? Anyway, I had a good time there, getting to know new friends and enjoying the art works and music on offer....

Although I think more works need to be done in terms of publicity and promoting this event, it is a good idea to incorporate an art exhibition at this popular music festival, so kudos to the Sarawak Tourism Board and Galleria, the organizer of Folk Art Forum.

Here are some photos taken during the event.

Then, we had the priviledge to listen to Tuyang Tan Ngam, the first Chinese sape player LIVE at the exhibition venue... he agreed on the spot to play for us despite not feeling well that day. Tuyang, thank you if you're reading this!


He switched effortlessly from traditional music to more upbeat raggae and rock style using his self-made sape, a traditional guitar-like instrument used by the Orang Ulu in Sarawak.

Obviously, I had a grand time! :)

More photos in my facebook album