KUCHING: Having established themselves in the music industry for over 50 years, the legendary band Sweet Charity is set to evoke nostalgia with their first-ever performance in Sarawak on Saturday night.
Although this isn’t the first appearance in Sarawak for vocalist Datuk Ramli Sarip, 71, also known as ‘Papa Rock,’ the legendary rock band’s performance will undoubtedly satisfy the longing of their fans.
Reflecting on the deep connection between music and nature, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to blend his art with the essence of the natural world.
“Music and nature are integral to life,” said Ramli during a press conference on Friday night at Budaya Restaurant, Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV), Santubong.
“Having grown up in the village, returning to Santubong evokes countless nostalgic memories. As musicians, we carry the responsibility not just to entertain but also to hampion the preservation of nature for future generations,” he added.
Set to perform on Saturday (Dec 28) at the Rock In The Jungle (RITJ) at SCV, Ramli promised an electrifying and nostalgic show featuring evergreen and classic tunes.
Sweet Charity currently consists of Rahman Sarbani on drums, Rosli Mohalim on guitar, and Ahmad Jaafar on keyboard and as the second vocalist.
“Our performance won’t just be rock and roll. Rock music is diverse—it’s full of colours and shades, much like a rainbow. This diversity is our strength and our roots, especially as Malaysians,” he said.
He also commended the organisers for their dedication to promoting music and cultural events in Sarawak.
“This is just the beginning. The journey is far from over. I’ve seen the growth of the Rainforest Music Festival over the years, and I believe there’s much more potential for rock music and other genres to flourish here,” he said.
Ending on a hopeful note, Ramli emphasised the importance of music’s energy, spirit, and soul.
“We hope our performance will not only entertain but also bring back beautiful memories for all music lovers,” he added.
Rock music fans should not miss this opportunity to enliven the biggest festival of the year, RITJ, which features a lineup of legendary bands from Malaysia and Indonesia.
True to its theme, this legendary rock festival will take place on December 28 and 29, 2024, starting at 2 pm until late at night, at the Sarawak Cultural Village.
Among the bands set to perform various rock genres are Wings, Edane, XPDC, Candy, Jemson, as well as local bands like Senseless, BNB, Criss X, and JS Boys.
This iconic festival, organised by Authentic Ideas & Events with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak as well as Tourism Malaysia, promises an unforgettable experience for all rock music fans.
Adding to the excitement, the festival will also feature attractions such as food stalls, local handicraft exhibitions, and exclusive official RITJ merchandise, offering a complete experience for all visitors.
Other events, starting as early as 2 pm, include special performances by local musicians at the Pentas Pancaindera stage, providing a platform for local talents to shine.
As such, this two-day festival is sure to deliver an exciting experience with energetic performances, iconic rock songs, and a unique atmosphere inspired by the beauty of nature, set against the backdrop of Mount Santubong.
This festival not only gathers rock music fans but also highlights the culture and natural beauty of Sarawak to the world.
