Surabaya's Jazz Traffic Festival Returns This Weekend

September 24, 2025 | 12:21 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Jazz Traffic Festival is making its return to Grand City Convex Surabaya, East Java, on Saturday and Sunday, September 27-28, 2025. This major music festival, initiated by Radio Suara Surabaya, is now in its twelfth year. A total of 26 performers, including both bands and solo artists, will showcase their talent across three main stages over the two-day festival.

Performers at Jazz Traffic Festival 2025

Several renowned jazz singers are scheduled to perform on the first day, including Raisa, Ardhito Pramono, Diskoria feat. Andien, Coldiac, Suara Kayu, Celia Noreen, 1 Tengah, Five Sub, Resident Rush, Wijaya 80, and the Jazz Band Winner.

Notably, the organizers have also invited Javanese dangdut singer Denny Caknan to perform on the first day. The singer, who hails from Ngawi, is a favorite among dangdut koplo music enthusiasts. His songs, such as "Kartonyono Medot Janji" and "Mundur Alon-alon," have been widely embraced by the public. Denny is often regarded as the successor to the legendary Didi Kempot due to their similar musical styles.

On the second day, the audience will be treated to a special performance by veteran Malaysian singer Sheila Majid. The 60-year-old artist, celebrated for her hits "Antara Anyer dan Jakarta" and "Sinaran," will collaborate with Tohpati.

Other performers on the second day include Glenn Fredly Live by The Bakuucakar feat. Sabrina, Indro Hardjodikoro Group feat. Indra Qadarsih, The Lantis, and Daun Jatuh. Additionally, The Skuy, Pawitra, Undbodevan, Sound of Pitches by PCU, and the Jazz Band Winner will also be featured.

Dangdut Koplo Inclusion by Popular Demand

Irma Widya Budianti, Chairperson of the Jazz Traffic Festival 2025, stated that the inclusion of the dangdut koplo genre was a deliberate decision based on popular demand from listeners of Radio Suara Surabaya. She explained that incorporating other genres into the jazz festival has been a successful practice in previous years.

For example, at the 2013 Jazz Traffic Festival, organizers invited the ludruk artist Kartolo, who collaborated with foreign musicians through his traditional Javanese performance. Similarly, the festival has previously hosted Via Vallen in 2018 and Didi Kempot in 2019.

Irma emphasized that the committee did not ask Denny Caknan to adapt his music to a jazz style. She explained that the audience prefers to enjoy his authentic sound. Furthermore, attempting to adapt dangdut koplo to a jazz rhythm would require extensive practice. She recalled a similar experience when they invited Via Vallen.

"Turns out, the audience was not satisfied. They wanted to see the real Via Vallen. Similarly, for Denny Caknan this time, we did not ask him to change his dangdut music to jazz," said Irma during a press conference at Excotel Design Surabaya on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

Special Arrangements for Sheila Majid's Performance

For Sheila Majid’s performance, the committee has changed the standard audience setup from floor seating to chairs. They have intentionally limited the number of seats to just 250, which have already been reserved by eager fans.

"In addition to Sheila Majid's fans in Indonesia, her fans from Malaysia will also come to watch her performance," said Irma, highlighting the artist's broad appeal.

Verry Firmansyah, CEO of Suara Surabaya Media, stated that this year's theme is "Be Yourself." He explained that the theme conveys a message about the freedom of self-expression and the celebration of music across genres and generations. "Jazz Traffic Festival is not just a concert, but a space for celebrating music, culture, and togetherness," he added.

Verry further noted that the radio station's consistent dedication to organizing the Jazz Traffic Festival each year has caught the attention of the Tourism Ministry and the Surabaya City Government, leading to its inclusion as an annual art event. He believes this recognition will open up opportunities for the festival to attract significant sponsors from Jakarta.

Editor’s Choice: Indonesia's Joyland Festival 2025 Reimagined as Joyland Sessions, Featuring Global Acts

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