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Joey Alexander headlines Prambanan Jazz Festival 2026 with captivating performance

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • Indonesian jazz pianist Joey Alexander headlined the Prambanan Jazz Festival 2026, performing a one-hour set with additional musicians.
  • He performed original compositions like 'Deep Cost,' 'Bali,' and 'Warna,' and also featured guest artists Dewa Budjana and Natasya Elvira.
  • The performance included renditions of 'Lilin-lilin Kecil' and 'Rayuan Pulau Kelapa,' with Alexander concluding by thanking the audience for appreciating Indonesian music.

Indonesian jazz prodigy Joey Alexander captivated audiences as the headliner for the Prambanan Jazz Festival 2026. Performing on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the historic Candi Prambanan complex, the Grammy-nominated pianist delivered a dynamic one-hour performance.

Hello Yogja, what's up? Glad to be at Prambanan Jazz Festival. Tonight I will accompany you and play many original compositions.

— Joey AlexanderGreeting the audience at the start of his performance.

Alexander, accompanied by a trio of musicians providing flute, bass, and drums, opened his set with 'Deep Cost.' He warmly greeted the Yogyakarta audience, expressing his pleasure at being at the festival and promising a night of original compositions. His performance included pieces like 'Bali' and 'Warna,' with a lighthearted comment in Indonesian about the latter's title.

The one earlier was easy to remember, in Indonesian.

— Joey AlexanderCommenting on the title of his song 'Warna'.

The 23-year-old musician then invited Indonesian guitar legend Dewa Budjana and vocalist Natasya Elvira to join him on stage. Together, they performed Chrisye's 'Lilin-lilin Kecil' and 'Rayuan Pulau Kelapa,' with Elvira's vocals drawing enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. Alexander also premiered an original composition titled 'Remembering' with Budjana.

I am very excited to call special guests, namely Indonesian legendary guitarist, Mas Dewa Budjana. There is also a special guest Natasya Evira.

— Joey AlexanderIntroducing his guest musicians.

Despite brief moments of awkwardness in his Indonesian interactions, Alexander's musical prowess and the synergy with his band and guests mesmerized the thousands in attendance. He concluded his set by thanking the audience for their appreciation of Indonesian music, particularly jazz, before leaving the stage to thunderous applause.

Thank you for appreciating Indonesian music, including jazz music. See you again.

— Joey AlexanderConcluding his performance.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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