To celebrate its 15 year, the Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival (JIJJF) presents a line up of artists geared towards its new target market—millennials.

2019 BNI Java Jazz Festival will be held from 1 to 3 March at JIEXPO Kemayoran. Photo courtesy of Java Festival Production/NOW!JAKARTA

The annual event, held in March is like an oasis for those looking for a local music festival. This year, with the event takes place just ahead of the elections. With hotly contested opinions on the issue, JIJJF’s tagline “Music Unites Us All” is the hope we’re looking for. Perhaps music can be the tie that binds.

“When we gathered to determine the theme, we looked at the topics on social media and in the media where there was a lot of talk about the different debates. The music doesn’t discriminate and everyone can join in celebrations, so we approved the tagline for this year’s festival.” said Dewi Gontha, President Director of Java Festival Production.

During this year’s festival—from 1 to 3 March at JIExpo Kemayoran—the venue will be decorated in Broadway style to give it a festive and majestic atmosphere and serve as a space for musicians to express their artistic talent.

Now in its 15th year, the festival will present three special shows with different genres including USA’s legendary rock band Toto, soul singer Raveena, and the Grammy nominated singer H.E.R.

This year marks Toto’s fifth performance (they performed in Indonesia in 1992, 1996, 2004 and 2006) which will include with their legendary hits, such as “Africa”, “Rosanna”, “I’ll Be Over You”, “Hold The Line” and “I Won’t Hold You Back”.

Raveena is an Indian-American soul singer whose music concept combines sweet melodies, passion, intensity, personal stories, and intricate productions. Her music is also influenced by Jazz, R&B, and soul. While H.E.R. or real name Gabrielle “Gabi” Wilson is a young R&B singer who received five Grammy nominations for her self-titled album H.E.R., including album of the year, best new artist, and best R&B album. These two emerging artists are a nod to the festival’s target audience, 18 to 34 year olds.  

Indonesian musicians Indra Aziz & Nikita Dompas performed at press conference of 2019 BNI Java Jazz Festival. 

Other acts include Allen Hinds & L.A. Super Soul, Andien, Bob James Trio, Cyrus, Chestnut Trio, Donny McCaslin, Elfa Zulham & The Beatz Messengers, Endah N Rhesa Extended, GoGo Penguin, Gretchen Parlato, Indra, Aziz For Good, James Vickery, Jeff Bernat, Jeslla, JMSN, John Beasley's, MONK'estra, Kneebody, Knower, Louis Cole, Lucky Chops, Mac Ayres, Masego, Moonchild, Nathan East Band of Brothers, Nick, Zavior, Parkdrive, Peter White, R+R=NOW, Ron King Big Band, Saxx in the City, Sin ad Harnett, Teddy Adhitya, The Soulful, The Funky Knuckles, The Soul Rebels, The Suffers, Tommy Pratomo, Tony Monaco Trio, TOTO. Warner Music Project feat. Andini, Hanin Dhiya, Rahmania Astrini, Trisouls, Yuri Mahatma, and Zsolt Boto.

Sari Widiati

Sari Widiati

Sari has been an arts and culture enthusiast for many years. She has written extensively on the arts, travel, and social issues as Features Writer at NOW! Jakarta.