‘I was waiting for the right time’, says Datuk Zainal Abidin on long-awaited RWMF debut
Malaysian Music Legend Datuk Zainal Abidin Makes Debut at RWMF
Datuk Zainal Abidin, renowned for his deep-rooted love for humanity and the environment through his music, has finally confirmed his debut appearance at this year’s Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF). After two decades of invitations from RWMF’s organizers, Zainal Abidin cited significant environmental strides as the catalyst for his decision to participate in this year’s festival.
A Decision Long in the Making
In a press conference held at the Sarawak Cultural Village, Datuk Zainal Abidin revealed, “RWMF’s organizers have been calling me for the past 20 years, but I refused to join — I was waiting for the right time. For me to be here, I needed to see the development of the festival’s environmental impact over the past 20 years.”
Music as a Message for Environmental Conservation
Zainal Abidin’s iconic song ‘Hijau’, a poignant reflection on environmental conservation, underscores his commitment to raising awareness. Speaking about his music’s impact, he expressed satisfaction that nearly 99.9% of Malaysians have been reached with his message. Despite challenges, he remains optimistic about increasing engagement from both governmental and private sectors in environmental initiatives.
Advocacy through Music and Collaboration Prospects
Addressing global warming and humanitarian issues, Zainal Abidin emphasized the pivotal role of music in fostering environmental consciousness. He proposed a potential collaboration between RWMF and the Thai Music Festival, advocating for broader international engagement in sustainability efforts.
STB’s Perspective on Collaboration
Sharzede Salleh Askor, CEO of Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), echoed enthusiasm for collaborative initiatives, emphasizing the importance of meticulous planning for substantial partnerships.
Future Prospects and Conclusion
With his long-awaited debut at RWMF, Datuk Zainal Abidin aims to amplify discussions on global environmental challenges. His presence signifies a significant milestone for RWMF, highlighting its evolving commitment to sustainability.