Dato’ M. Nasir, The Commodores and Incognito to headline RWMF 2026
- BT
- 5 minutes ago
- 3 min read
KUCHING, 13 March 2026: The 29th edition of the iconic Rainforest World Music Festival returns to the Sarawak Cultural Village this June 26 to 28, 2026, and will be headlined by Dato’ M. Nasir, The Commodores featuring Thomas McClary and the band Incognito.
This was announced earlier today during the launching of the festival at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, by the Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
“The Rainforest World Music Festival has, for many years, stood as one of Sarawak’s most distinctive cultural celebrations. It is more than a music festival; it is a gathering of cultures, a meeting of artistic traditions, and a platform where musicians from around the world come together to share stories through rhythm, melody, and heritage,” said the minister in his speech earlier today.
Dato’ M. Nasir will be taking the stage on June 26, 2026. Singer, songwriter, composer, producer and artist, he has had over four decades of influence in the creative arts industry and is known for his poetic lyrics and philosophical themes. His works blend traditional Malay elements with contemporary sounds and have played a defining role in shaping Malaysia’s music landscape.
The following evening, one of the defining bands of the funk and soul era, The Commodores featuring founding member Thomas McClary, will be taking the stage. Known for their enduring hits like Easy, Three Times a Lady and Brick House, their powerful live performances continue to celebrate a musical legacy that has influenced generations of artists across the world.
Completing the trio of headliners on June 28, 2026 is Incognito, the internationally renowned band led by founder Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick. Known for their groove-based, rhythm-driven sound that blends soul, funk and world rhythms, the band is widely recognized for timeless hits such as Always There and Still a Friend of Mine.
More exciting artists will be announced in the coming weeks, with the festival set to feature over 200 performers from 12 countries.
Beyond its spectacular evening concerts, RWMF is renowned for its immersive daytime experiences, with over 50 workshops, cultural demonstrations, and intimate mini sessions taking place across the festival grounds. Festivalgoers can take part in interactive sessions where musicians share the stories behind their instruments and traditions while engaging audiences in spontaneous collaborations.
RWMF 2026 will also introduce a special BIMP-EAGA gastronomy showcase, highlighting the rich and diverse culinary traditions of the Borneo sub-region. Featuring flavours from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, the initiative brings together culinary partners from across the BIMP-EAGA region to present traditional dishes and regional specialities to festivalgoers.
Tickets for RWMF 2026 will officially go on sale beginning 13 March 2026, with Early Bird one-day passes priced at RM235 and three-day passes at RM635, available until 31 March 2026.
For added convenience, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) options are also available through digital platforms such as Atome, Grab PayLater and Shopee PayLater, making it easier for festivalgoers to plan their visit. With Early Bird passes expected to sell out quickly, visitors are encouraged to purchase their tickets early to avoid missing out on one of the region’s most celebrated music festivals.
Festivalgoers can secure their tickets through the official festival website at https://rwmf.net/ or via the official ticketing platform Ticketmelon https://www.ticketmelon.com/sarawaktourismboard/rwmf
