SWEET SOUND OF THE ANDES WILL BE AT THE FOOTHILL OF MOUNT SANTUBONG
By Corporate Affairs, Sarawak Tourism Board

They had performed twice at the Rainforest World Music (RWMF) stage and on both occasions they had imprinted a lasting impression on the audiences with their lively sound of the Andes.

And, this year Inka Marka will surely give another lively and interesting performance as they did in 2000 and 2002.

Their lively tunes of rich and energetic tunes come from the quena (bamboo flute), panpipes, guitar, charango, violin and percussion. Led by Jaime Carrasco, this five-member band plays traditional as well as contemporary music. They also sing and their lyrics are mostly sweet and nostalgic.

The music of the Andes which has deep roots in countries like Peru, Chile, Ecuador and Bolivia has long been a favourite among World Music fans.

The return of the Inka Marka to the RWMF stage will be much awaited by the festival followers who will gathered at Sarawak Cultural Village this July 13 to 15. For they know they will be in for another fun-fill edition of the festival particularly when RWMF is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

Organiser Sarawak Tourism Board has lined up all the big names that have graced the RWMF stage over the last nine years to perform at this year’s event.

Besides Inka Marka, the other big names are Huun Huur Tu from Tuva and Russia, Tarika Be (Madagascar); Khac Chi (Vietnam); Shannon (Poland); Doghouse Skiffle Group (UK); Ensemble Kaboul (Afghanistan); Foghorn Stringband (USA); Tammora (Italy); Shooglenifty (Scotland); Black Umfolosi (Zimbabwe), Mas Y Mas (UK); Randy Raine Reusch (Canada), Aseana Percussion Unit; Mah Meri (both from Malaysia) and Fadi and the Band from Syria.

All the bands, except for Fadi and the Band from Syria, are making a comeback to the RWMF stage.  Fadi and the Band will be making its debut appearance the festival.

Sarawak will also present its own accomplished musicians like Jerry Kamit, Tabuh Pak Ainal, Anak A’dik Rurum and Kelapang Bamboo Band to take centre stage among the big names in world music.

An event not to be missed, the coming RWMF expected to see a strong crowd of 24,000 during the three days of the festival. To ensure all RWMF fans from every corners of the world get their tickets, STB has entrusted Ticketcharge Sdn Bhd to conduct online ticket sales.

Tickets are priced at RM80 each for a day pass and RM200 each for a three-day pass for those above 13 years old and children between three and 12 years old are charge half price.

The RWMF is supported by Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia; Ministry of Urban Development and Tourism, Sarawak and Tourism Malaysia.