Who would have thought Earth, Wind & Fire at the Rainforest World Music Festival 2025 in Sarawak would happen? Well, it has, and like a timeless scroll, this band’s story is etched in legend. From their name, echoing the very forces of nature, to their enduring influence on today’s melodies, Earth, Wind & Fire have ascended beyond the ordinary.
Even with the passing of their founder, lead vocalist and guiding star, Maurice White, their music continues to blossom in a harmonious blend of R&B, funk, disco, pop, and jazz, connecting generations like threads of a silk tapestry.
Earth, Wind & Fire at the Rainforest World Music Festival 2025
Get ready to groove like never before as the legendary sounds of Earth, Wind & Fire come alive at the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF), held at the Sarawak Cultural Village from June 20 to 22, 2025. Seven-time Grammy Award-winning guitarist Al McKay will lead The Earth, Wind & Fire Experience, bringing the band’s iconic rhythms and timeless hits to the heart of Borneo.
This exciting announcement was made by Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP), during the launch of the festival’s 28th edition. Under the theme ‘Connections: One Earth, One Love’, this year’s RWMF celebrates the unifying power of music while emphasizing a commitment to environmental sustainability.
A Star-Studded Lineup of Global and Local Talent
The 2025 RWMF promises an unforgettable fusion of world-class acts and Indigenous artistry, featuring three standout headliners:
- The Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay: Relive the magic of one of the most iconic bands in music history.
- Otyken (Siberia, Russia): An indigenous band blending Siberian throat singing, tribal rhythms, and folk instruments with modern electronic beats.
- At Adau (Sarawak): A homegrown ensemble fusing traditional Sape melodies with Borneo’s tribal percussion, creating a unique blend of heritage and contemporary world music.
Joining these headliners are 170 performers from 20 countries, including local talents like:
- Buloh Berkocak
- Dee Jay
- Matthew Ngau’s Wind & Earth (Lan E Tuyong & Buddha Beat)
- Meruked
- Naungan
- Gaga Gundul (France/Indonesia)
- Kuntaw Mindano (Philippines)
- Kulāiwi (Hawaii, USA)
- La Chiva Gantiva (Colombia/Belgium)
- Tal Fry (India)
- Seppuku Pistols (Japan)
Expanding the Festival Experience
This year, the RWMF is breaking boundaries by extending its reach beyond the traditional festival grounds to Damai Central. The area will be transformed into a vibrant public space offering free arts, crafts, and wellness activities, making the festival more accessible and engaging.
A Green Festival for a Greener Future
In line with its sustainability mission, RWMF 2025 is launching a long-term carbon offset initiative to plant 10,000 trees by the festival’s 30th anniversary in 2027. A portion of ticket sales will directly support this effort.
To minimize environmental impact, the festival will introduce:
- Dedicated recycling points and waste separation initiatives
- Eco-stations for sustainable waste management
- Free water refill stations to reduce plastic waste
- A strict ban on disposable plastics
- 20 shuttle services to cut carbon emissions
- Use of eco-friendly products and biodegradable tableware
Exclusive Travel Deals and Early Bird Tickets
Malaysia Airlines and Firefly have been named the official airline partners for RWMF 2025, offering festival-goers exclusive promo codes and travel discounts for flights to Sarawak.
Early bird tickets go on sale from March 8 to 21 with the following pricing:
- 3-Day Pass: RM635 (early bird), RM765 (pre-sale), RM835 (door sale)
- 1-Day Pass: RM235 (early bird), RM283 (pre-sale), RM333 (door sale)
- Child Pass (3-12 years): RM80 (children under 3 enter free)
Special group discounts are also available:
- Groups of 10-30: RM266 per adult for a 1-day pass
- Groups of 30+: RM250 per adult for a 1-day pass
Rainforest World Music Festival 2025
- Date: 20, 21, 22 June
- Venue: Sarawak Cultural Village, Santubong, Kuching
- Website and Tickets: RWMF
- Organiser: Sarawak Tourism Board
Join the Celebration of the 28th RWMF 2025
The RWMF 2025 is more than just a music festival—it’s a celebration of cultural unity, environmental stewardship, and the transformative power of music. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary event. Mark your calendars, grab your tickets, and get ready to connect with the world at the Rainforest World Music Festival.
Conclusion
For those who want to experience one of the world’s most unique music festivals, the Rainforest World Music Festival in Sarawak is the place to be. And no other music festival in Malaysia comes close to what the RWMF has to offer.
Knowing that the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire will be playing at the Rainforest World Music Festival 2025 is also another bonus, as they were the music gods back in the 1970s and are still kicking it till this very day.