Tuesday, June 11, 2013

A Quick Take of Rainforest World Music Festival 2013 Bands


We have created a short write-up for each of the twenty-one (21) bands performing at this year's Rainforest World Music Festival. They are not listed in any order.

MADEEH (Sarawak, Malaysia)

Bidayuh traditional roots music on hand-made bamboo instruments and drums.

Music like it has been in the jungles of Borneo for centuries.


RAFLY WA SAJA (Indonesia)

The unique voice of Aceh and Rafly combined with some of the top musicians from Jakarta

A fitting performance on the 10th anniversary of the earthquake and resulting  tsunami in Sumatra.


MOHSEN SHARIFIAN & THE LIAN BAND (Iran)

Regarded as Iran’s most prestigious folklore music band.

They play Boushehri music that is the amalgamation of centuries of social, cultural, religious melting pots in Iran.

They have received 7 awards for performance of Ney-Anban, 3 Best Music titles, 3 Best Singer titles, 3 awards for Best Percussion from Iran.


JUK WAN EMANG (Sarawak, Malaysia)

The rare and dying art of the nose flute of Sarawak.

This is the instrument used for courtship among the Kayan people.

Juk Wan Emang is 71 years old and comes from the interior of the Rainforests.


NUNUKUL YUGGERA (Australia)

Traditional Aboriginie song and dance troupe

Their performances portray their unique lifestyle, religions and tribal legends in their performances.

They have been called the Australian answer to the New Zealand Haka.


SHANGYIN CHINESE CHAMBER MUSIC ENSEMBLE (Kuching)

Winner of 2013 at Shanghai Folk Music Orchestra Showcase.

Sarawak flavor and Malaysian folk music interwoven with Chinese traditional instruments.


HABADEKUK (Denmark)

Powerful horns, toe-tapping fiddle and contagious rhythms

One of Denmark’s leading folk bands that uses old folk melodies in 21st century presentation.

Their CD “Hopsadaddy” was awarded “Album of the Year” at Danish Music Award Folk 2011.

Their fiddle player Kristian Bugge was awarded “Folk Artist of the year” at Danish Music Award Folk 2011

Nominated as best live act of the year for Danish Music Awards 2012.


NATIVE CHANTING (Sarawak, Malaysia)

Oral blessings from the different indigenous tribes of Sarawak – the Bidayuh, the Iban, the Orang Ulu, the Melanau.


DIZU PLAATZIES & THE IBUYAMBO ENSEMBLE (South Africa)

Sub-Saharan African music.

Painted warriors, female dancers, traditional music played on handmade instruments.

Exulted voices, wonderful instrumental textures and thrilling percussion.

His album “African Kings” won Best Alternative African Album at the SAMA awards 2009.

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