KUCHING – Festivalgoers to Rainforest World Music Festival 2023 will have a chance to take part in a record-breaking event under the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) for ‘Most Percussionists in a Music Festival’.

The record-breaking attempt will take place throughout the three days of the festival from 23^rd to 25^th June 2023 at the festival ground at Sarawak Cultural Village starting from 4.45pm each day.

Festivalgoers are welcome to bring along their own percussion instruments, or they can also use household items such as pails, pots, pans, bottles or any other materials that can be drummed to produce percussive sounds.

Upcycling items as percussion instruments would be in line with the festival’s role in promoting the concept of Responsible Tourism and values of sustainability through a ‘green’ event that contributes to the conservation of the environment and local heritage.

In addition, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) CEO Sharzede Datu Hj. Salleh Askor said the art of drumming have deep cultural roots within many societies around the world, each with its own strong drumming tradition that has spanned generations.

“Through this historic drumming circle record-breaking event, we aim to unite as many people as possible whose drumming traditions may differ from one another to connect with each other by playing the same rhythmic beats, sending a strong message of unity, togetherness and oneness,” she said.

“We aim to set this new MBOR entry over the course of three days and we invite all festivalgoers to be part of this event which not only emphasises on harmony, but communicates it through acts that remind us of responsible and sustainable practices for a fulfilling RWMF experience,” she added.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Drumming circles involve one person leading a group of percussionists with a variety of percussion instruments to start with a steady beat as others listen, and then gradually play improvised rhythms together. Participants of drum circles do not need to have musical experience, as long as they can listen to and connect with each other musically.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Festivalgoers also can learn drumming techniques or how to build their own percussion instruments from sustainable materials by attending the daytime workshops between 2pm to 5.45pm conducted by RWMF performers prior to the drumming circle event.

Come join the daytime workshops: Community Drumming by Kumi Matsunaga, Syed, Edwin Nathaniel and Shameer; and Bamboo Instruments Building by Rizal Hadi on Day 1; Traditional African Drumming & Dance Techniques by Safi Theatre, and Bamboo Ensemble by Buloh Berkocak on Day 2; and Indian Drumming Styles & Rhythmic Exercises by Chatusram and Kelantanese Wayang Kulit Drumming by Geng Wak Long on Day 3. 

Info on the full workshop schedule is available at rwmf.net.