Latest news with #RiTJ2.0
Borneo Post
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Music lovers invited to rock out at RITJ 2.0
Members of Nice Stupid Playground and Breathe in Ocean onstage during the roadshow. – Photo by Matthew Umpang KUCHING (July 21): Music lovers and youths are invited to show their support and grow Rock in The Jungle 2.0 (RITJ 2.0) into one of the state's premier music festivals that is on par with the renowned Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF). Its spokesperson Zaini Zainuddin said they intend to elevate RITJ to the same level of recognition as RWMF while maintaining its own unique identity. 'We want RITJ to stand proudly beside RWMF. If RWMF celebrates traditional and world music, RITJ highlights modern expression, youth-driven energy and the rock culture that thrives in Sarawak and across the region. 'Sarawak has the capacity to host more than one signature music festival, and RWMF and RITJ can showcase different sides of our culture and appeal to broader audiences,' he told reporters at the festival's road show event at Plaza Merdeka here yesterday. Zaini, who is also Sarawak Cultural Village sales, marketing and events director, stressed that RITJ's goal was not to replace RWMF but to complement it. He also explained that rock music is often misunderstood and the festival aims to break negative stereotypes surrounding the genre and the festival seeks to diversify Sarawak's music scene by offering a stage for rock, metal and alternative genres. 'Rock is expression, not aggression. It's about storytelling, identity and passion. It's not about chaos or destruction. That's why through RiTJ, we want to show that rock music is a platform for unity and creativity,' he said. RiTJ 2.0 is slated for Aug 29 and 30 at the Sarawak Cultural Village and is expected to attract 12,000 attendees—more than double the 5,700-turnout recorded during its debut last year. This year's edition will showcase six main acts across two days, featuring an exciting mix of international and local talents, and offers a valuable platform for Sarawakian performers to share the stage with established regional and international names, further elevating the local music scene. On the opening day, Aug 29, festival-goers can look forward to high-energy performances by Indonesian rock icons Gigi and Kotak, alongside Sarawak's own celebrated band, Nice Stupid Playground. Loudness, the iconic Japanese heavy metal outfit, will headline the second day of the festival on August 30 while joining them on stage will be Sarawakian rock bands Fearless and Breathe in Ocean. Malaysian alternative rock pioneers Hujan will also be part of this year's lineup. Known for their genre-blending sound and award-winning hits like 'Pagi Yang Gelap' and 'Bila Aku Sudah Tiada', Hujan is expected to be a major draw for younger fans. Zaini said the event welcomes people from all backgrounds, including families and persons with disabilities, and aims to foster a sense of community and inclusion. Tickets for RiTJ 2.0 are available at with early bird prices running until August 5. Also present were Authentic Ideas and Event Enterprise managing director Nawen Nawawi and Entrepreneurs SDGS Empowerment Foundation vice chairman Bryan Lee. concert entertainment lead Rock In The Jungle Zaini Zainuddin
Borneo Post
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Rock in the Jungle 2.0 set to electrify Sarawak Cultural Village this August
Several RiTJ 2.0 line-up members pose for a group photo during the recent briefing session. KUCHING (July 7): The much-anticipated Rock in the Jungle (RiTJ) festival is set to return for its second edition on Aug 29 and 30, promising another round of electrifying performances at the Sarawak Cultural Village. This year's installment will showcase six powerhouse acts over two days, including two renowned Indonesian rock bands and for the first time, an international metal act from Japan. Following its successful debut last year, RiTJ is back 'louder, bolder, and more electrifying', said RiTJ 2.0 event administrator Nur Linda Bara Abdullah. 'The festival remains rooted in celebrating rock music in harmony with the beauty of nature,' she shared during a press briefing at the Star on Stage venue, last Saturday. RiTJ spokesperson Zaini Zainuddin stated that the festival aims to attract 12,000 attendees, doubling last year's turnout of approximately 5,700. He noted improvements were made following feedback from the inaugural edition. 'We've learnt from our weaknesses. Last year's lineup included classic rock bands like Sweet Charity and Wings, which appealed to older audiences. 'This year, we've added bands like Nice Stupid Playground to engage younger fans,' Zaini said. One major highlight this year is the inclusion of international talent beyond Southeast Asia, with Japan's legendary band Loudness joining the act. 'Last year, we didn't have any artistes from outside the Asean region. This year, we're stepping up,' said Zaini. Zaini shared that securing Loudness was seamless, as the band had already expressed interest in performing in Sarawak. Zaini said the organisers are targetting 12,000 attendees over the two days of RiTJ 2.0. – Photos by Jude Toyat 'It has always been a dream to give rock its own platform in Sarawak. We know there is a strong underground scene here. Now it's time to take scale up and if support remains strong, this could become an annual event,' he added. The line-up also includes prominent names like Gigi and Kotak, alongside Sarawakian performers, creating opportunities for local bands to share the stage with major regional and international acts. 'Last year, we featured bands from Kuala Lumpur. This year, we've intentionally brought in Indonesian acts alongside Sarawakian bands. 'It's important for our local performers to experience the pride of sharing the same stage with these big names,' Zaini said, adding that the organisers are committed to making RiTJ inclusive. The event, he noted, will welcome attendees from all walks of life, including children and persons with disabilities (OKU), and will embrace a 'jiwa rock' spirit – a celebration of diversity and freedom in music. Tickets are available at with early bird rates open until Aug 5. A press conference for RiTJ, featuring Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, is expected to be held next week. concert entertainment lead Nur Linda Bara Abdullah Rock In The Jungle
