KUCHING: The debut 2023 Kuching Busking Festival (KBF) has the potential to draw both local and international participants in the future.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah hoped to see the event grow into a significant and renowned festival, similar to Sarawak’s very own homegrown Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF).
“Just like other festivals, I do hope it can evolve from a small to a big festival, much like the RWMF in which its first festival only saw about 300 people and has grown into an event known around the world, especially in European countries.
“So, perhaps, 10 or 20 years down the road, we (ministry) can and will continue to support this KBF so that it reaches another level that not only accommodates buskers in this region but also those from around the world,” he said at the grand finale of the 2023 KBF held at Plaza Merdeka Shopping Mall last night (Sept 17).
Abdul Karim also said busking or street performances are common in Kuching, and just like any other big cities worldwide.
“You can find buskers in places like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta and London. There are buskers and some are really good who have achieved success and made a name for themselves.
“Since Kuching does have a number of buskers, it therefore presents an opportunity for us to provide them with a platform to showcase their talents,” he said.
He said events like KBF will undoubtedly make Kuching a livelier place.
“When Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud was the chief minister of Sarawak then, he wanted to see Kuching lively and to be a city with a soul.
“So, to realise this vision, we need an event like this, and that is why the ministry is making every effort to organise as many events as possible in Kuching,” he said, while adding that the local councils and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are also doing their part to organise events.
Among these efforts to enliven Kuching, Abdul Karim said the establishment of the Centre of Performing Arts is crucial and would be an avenue to host festivals in the near future.
Also present were Abdul Karim’s wife Datin Sri Zuraini Abdul Jabbar, MTCP permanent secretary Datuk Sherrina Hussaini, Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Mayor Hilmy Othman, KBF organising chairman Gerald Goh, and KBF festival director Mike Lim.
