By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, June 22: For Arbian Octora, a music enthusiast in his 40s from Pontianak, Indonesia, watching Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay Allstars perform live at the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2025 is more than just a concert—it’s the chance of a lifetime.
Clutched safely in his bag is a treasured vinyl record, a first press copy of Earth, Wind & Fire’s 1974 album, which he bought from a vintage shop in Pontianak about five or six years ago.
“I’m really into Black music—funk, soul, disco. I found this vinyl before the Covid-19 pandemic, after a lot of digging through old stores and vintage markets,” he told DayakDaily when met at the festival grounds.
Although not a die-hard fan, Arbian said he has loved Earth, Wind & Fire’s music since he first heard them on the radio in the 1990s.
“At first, I didn’t even know their name. I just heard their songs and thought, ‘I really like this.’ Later I learned it was Earth, Wind & Fire. They have so many great hits,” he added.
Arbian, who owns a personal collection of over 100 to 200 vinyl records, said he was thrilled to finally witness the American group live in Sarawak.
“One of the main reasons I came to Rainforest this year is to watch them. And I brought the vinyl in case I get the chance to meet the musicians and get it signed.
“I don’t know how yet—maybe wait backstage, or catch them outside. We’ll see how the universe works,” he said with a hopeful smile.
Arbian is attending the festival with a group of friends from Pontianak, having driven across the border to Kuching on Wednesday (June 18). The group plans to stay until Monday (June 23) to soak up the full experience of RWMF.
When asked why he would spend money on a rare vinyl when digital music is widely available, Arbian replied: “If you find it in normal vintage or bundle shops, the price is usually okay. It’s only expensive when it ends up in hipster stores. But of course, you have to do a lot of digging.”
The Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay Allstars is led by Grammy Award-winning guitarist Al McKay, a founding member of the original Earth, Wind & Fire. The American ensemble has continued the legacy of the iconic funk and soul band through high-energy live shows featuring many of their greatest hits.
Following the band’s electrifying performance last night (June 21), Arbian, when contacted again, shared that he had not managed to meet any of the members or get his vinyl signed, despite waiting near the stage and keeping an eye out around the festival grounds after the show.
With one final day of the festival ahead, he remains hopeful of bumping into the artists somewhere on the grounds, as he continues to carry the vinyl with him. — DayakDaily
