Dato’ M. Nasir kicks things into gear at RWMF 2026

KUCHING, 27 June 2026 - The moment Dato’ M. Nasir took the stage at the 29th Rainforest World Music Festival as Day 1’s headliner last night, we knew it was going to be something special. The Malaysian icon delivered a masterclass performance that electrified the crowd at Sarawak Cultural Village on opening night.

The atmosphere was everything RWMF fans have come to love. The weather on opening night this year was beautiful, fans came out in full spirit, and the lineup kept the energy high from the first act to the last. But it was Dato’ M. Nasir who truly shifted things into another gear with his poetic, soulful set that drew raw, emotional response that only a performer of his calibre, with over four decades in the industry, can command.

A singer, songwriter, composer and producer who helped shape Malaysian music, his work is known for itsphilosophical depth and poetic Malay lyricism as well assounds that bridge the traditional and the contemporary. Last night he reminded everyone exactly why he is considered one of the defining voices of the region.

Before his appearance though, the RWMF stages were graced by the likes of Korrontzi from Basque Country, Spain,  SouthKorea’s Insun Park & Generals, Sarawak’s own Ta’Dan, and finally West Africa’s Benin International Musical.

West Africa’s Benin International Musical kept the party going before Dato’ M. Nasir took the stage.

Meanwhile, earlier in the evening, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri HajiAbdul Karim Rahman Hamzah did a walkabout around the festival grounds, where he soaked in the atmosphere and checked out some of this year’s highlights, including the ePenambang electric boat ride experience.

Speaking at a press conference after the tour, he stated that 22,000 tickets were sold for this year's edition, only slightlybelow last year’s numbers, a surprisingly encouraging number still, given concerns over rising travel costs and global uncertainties. Walk-in visitors were not counted in that figure, so the final number is likely higher still, he said.

Dato Sri Karim taking the ePenambang for a spin during his walkabout

The 29th Rainforest World Music Festival runs through Sunday, with The Commodores featuring Thomas McClary bringing their classic funk and soul catalogue to the stage tonight, and British acid jazz veterans Incognito closing out the weekend. Between the headline acts, over 50 daytime workshops and cultural sessions give festivalgoers the chance to get up close with musicians from across the globe, and a brand-new BIMP-EAGA gastronomy showcase adds the flavours of Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia to the mix.

Come experience the 29th Rainforest World Music Festivaltonight and tomorrow at the Sarawak Cultural Village. Tickets available via rwmf.net/ or at the door.