SWEET SOUNDS OF THE ANDES BACK AT THE FOOTHILLS OF MOUNT SANTUBONG
By Yeoh Jun Lin | Artistic Director - Rainforest World Music Festival

INKA MARKA alternates between slow sweet nostalgic songs and lively ethnic dance music. But all their songs have deep roots in the music of the Andes which encompasses Peru, Chile, Ecuador and Bolivia.

The five men that make up this band are no strangers to the Rainforest World Music Festival. All except one were born in South America before moving to Australia where they live most of the time now.

Between them, they play the quena (bamboo flute), panpipes, guitar, charango, violin and percussion.

South American music has always been a big favourite at the festival and the Inka Marka boys usually just want to play on and on. They can be found performing on main stage as well as doing random workshops with the other musicians who will be coming to Kuching come July 13th – 15th.

It is the Rainforest World Music Festival’s big reunion party to celebrate the 10th Anniversary.

Some of the bands who will be coming back to Borneo are Tarika Be from Madagascar, Khac Chi from Vietnam, Huun Huur Tu and Malerija from Tuva and Russia, Tammorra from Italy, Black Umfolosi from Zimbabwe, Mas Y Mas from Britain.

The festival is organized by the Sarawak Tourism Board and it  will be held at the Sarawak Cultural Village in Santubong on the 13th, 14th and 15th of July. Tickets are already on sale and can be bought online at http://www.ticketcharge.com.my/  as well as at all Visitor Information Centres in Kuching, Miri and Sibu.

Tickets are priced at RM80 for a one day Adult Pass, and RM200 for a 3-day Adult Pass. Children aged 3 – 12 years of age can purchase half priced tickets.

More information on the festival can also be found on the website www.rainforestmusic-borneo.com

Main stage shows will be held every evening starting from 7.30 pm while the more intimate workshops will run every afternoon from 2.00 pm.

Not only will there be a big melting pot of music to be found, the Sarawak Tourism Board is also organizing food and drink stalls, handicraft outlets and souvenier sales.

Inka Marka has been wanting to come back to Sarawak for many years and the organizers are thrilled that they are able to perform again for this big event.

Yeoh Jun Lin
Artistic Director
Rainforest World Music Festival