Nusantara music unites Malaysia and Indonesia in new single 'Tinggi'
Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Malaysian hip-hop duo Kmy Kmo & Luca Sickta collaborated with Indonesian sinden singer Niken Salindry on a new single titled "Tinggi."
- The song blends Malay rap with traditional Javanese sinden vocals, showcasing Nusantara's rich cultural heritage in a modern musical context.
- "Tinggi" aims to remind younger generations to appreciate cultural identity and heritage, emphasizing that true greatness lies in values and legacy, not just power or wealth.
Music has once again bridged Malaysia and Indonesia, this time through a collaboration between Malaysian hip-hop duo Kmy Kmo & Luca Sickta and Indonesian sinden singer Niken Salindry. Their new single, "Tinggi," marks the duo's first international collaboration, merging Malay rap with the traditional Javanese vocal style of sinden to highlight the rich artistic and cultural tapestry of the Nusantara region within a contemporary musical framework.
We believe music is a language that can unite. Through 'Tinggi,' we want to convey that a person's greatness is not measured by power or wealth, but by the legacy and values they leave behind.
The song "Tinggi" is featured on Kmy Kmo & Luca Sickta's latest album, "Gong," which explores themes of heritage, dignity, and memory in a modern world increasingly detached from its cultural roots. The lyrics carry profound meaning, and the distinctive sinden vocals serve as the song's core identity. "Tinggi" conveys a message that a person's history, values, and good deeds endure even as power, status, and time fade.
Kmy Kmo & Luca Sickta, who also composed the track, stated that "Tinggi" is more than just entertainment; it's an invitation for the younger generation to reconnect with their cultural identity and heritage. "We believe music is a language that can unite. Through 'Tinggi,' we want to convey that a person's greatness is not measured by power or wealth, but by the legacy and values they leave behind," they explained. Niken Salindry described the collaboration as a special opportunity to introduce Javanese sinden art to a broader audience and strengthen cultural ties between Indonesia and Malaysia.
I am continuously drawn when I hear the concept of this song. The message it carries is very strong and in line with the spirit of preserving culture.
The "Tinggi" music video further enhances the project's appeal, featuring large-scale filming at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) in Jakarta. The production involved numerous dancers, elaborate artistic direction, and traditional costumes inspired by the shared heritage of Malaysia and Indonesia. This fusion of traditional elements with modern music demonstrates how cultural heritage can be presented to contemporary audiences without losing its original identity, symbolizing friendship and a shared respect for Nusantara culture.
I am proud to be part of a work that brings together modern music with tradition, as well as strengthens cultural relations between Indonesia and Malaysia.
Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.