#SHOWBIZ: Ella and Amy to headline Rentak Budaya 2026

MALAYSIAN music royalty, led by rock legends Ella and Datuk Amy, are set to light up the Rentak Budaya 2026 festival from Oct 30 to Nov 1.

Taking place across two lively Kuala Lumpur locations, the River of Life and Padang Merbok, the festival promises far more than standard stage entertainment.

It brings together a rich tapestry of art, culture and heritage designed to reconnect local traditions with audiences of all ages.

Joining Ella and Amy on the main stage at Padang Merbok will be popular acts Kaka Azraff, Haziq Rosebi and Rosma Sidek, who will perform nightly from 8pm.

Enhancing the dynamic line-up, Issey & Friends will perform a Dikir Barat alongside traditional showcases of gendang rebana, silat, joget, zapin berkopak, and 24 Festive Drums.

Persatuan Seniman Malaysia (Seniman) president Zed Zaidi said Rentak Budaya was created as an open, accessible bridge between artistes, cultural practitioners and the public.

"Rentak Budaya is much more than just a stage for performances. We want families to come together, explore, participate, and directly experience our rich cultural diversity.

"At the River of Life, visitors can engage closely with cultural practitioners, while Padang Merbok will host large-scale performances blending popular artistes with traditional arts," he said.

"We want Rentak Budaya to serve as a meeting point where traditional arts connect with today's generation.

"Cultural heritage must continue to be celebrated, given space, and introduced through fresh approaches so that it remains deeply rooted in the community's heart."

During the day, Padang Merbok will host Hari Permainan Malaysia 2026, with a wide range of popular food and drink stalls operating throughout the three days.

Meanwhile, the River of Life site offers interactive activities, live demonstrations and public workshops running daily from 10am to 10pm.

Visitors can browse craft, art and cultural product stalls, or pop by a mini-stage hosting Sembang Seni talk sessions, busking performances, zapin dance demos, sketch comedy and workshops for tanjak weaving, batik painting and calligraphy.

Featured personalities at the River of Life include Ann Abdullah, Kumpulan Teater Hidayah, Kyoji Sky, Siddiq Band, Mie Raja Lawak and Pak Chu Raja Lawak.

Organised by the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories Department) and Kuala Lumpur City Hall, in collaboration with Seniman, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and the Federal Territory Culture and Arts Department, entry to the festival is free of charge.

For more details, visit https://www.cloudjoi.com/shows/7702-rentak-budaya-2026-at-river-of-life