Another year, has come and gone

Every year for the past 4 years, I wait in anticipation for the second week of July to arrive. Plans are made as early as January to ensure that we do not miss the greatest party of the year:

“The rainforest world music festival!” And what a party it was!

With a fantastic line-up gracing the workshops in the afternoon till rocking the house down on the main stage in the evening, it was a none stop party. This year we were fortunate to witness again the amazing vocal range and body slapping movements of the BLACK UMFOLOSI, the adrenaline pumping Celtic sounds of SHANNON (my favourite) and the perfect blend of percussions and rhythm of the ASEANA PERCUSION UNIT (A.P.U)

Justin and Krshna, you guys were on fire!

With all that said, I must take my hat off to one performer who has grown tremendously and transformed into an electrifying energy on stage…The son AINAL from TABUH PAK AINAL. As young as he is, he proved to be a seasoned performer pumping the crowd at every opportunity…even when he was not performing. This kid will go far and will be a name to remember.

The party however would not have been complete if it weren’t for the people who came in the thousands. Most would not have been fans of world music but as soon as the show got started, all hearts were in sync. One music, One beat, A world united as one.

Of course the constant flow of alchohol and Dr. Green Thumbs medication intensified the experience and took us all to a whole new level. Chief, you are brilliant. My buddies, I shall not forget this experience and I thank each and every one of you. I will miss you guys for sure.

To those who had captured a special place in my heart, (you know who you are) I miss you already and how I wish I could see you soon. The times spent with you were absolutely amazing. It is these moments that make me wish the festival had lasted just that bit longer. I do wish that the stars and the forces of nature would align itself ensuring that our paths cross soon.

On the day we were flying back, whilst waiting at the airport I read an article written by K.P. Waran and I quote:

“As for those so-called music maniacs, headphones on and lost in their world of hip hop far from the picturesque Santubong mountain vicinity, I feel sorry for you. You missed the greatest party of the year.”

I couldn’t agree more.

Well, its time again to plan for next year and wait in anticipation. Hopefully you’ll be there too.