Of all the brilliant music festivals happening in Asia this year, Jakarta International BNI Java Jazz Festival is top of our list. It never fails to bring together the best of jazz talent from Indonesia and around the world, and this year, it's throwing a party that's bigger and better than ever for its 20th anniversary.
In the spirit of the anniversary, this year's theme is positively festive: "Unleashing Harmony: A Joyful Celebration of Sound". Look forward to over 100 dazzling shows across more than 10 stages in one of Jakarta's largest entertainment venues. The festival has also prepared three special stages headlined by global stars. Before you go, here's everything you need to know about the Java Jazz Festival in 2025.
When and where is the Java Jazz Festival?
It's happening from May 30 to June 1 at JIExpo-Kemayoran in Jakarta, Indonesia. Check out the festival's website for details about how to get there!
Who is performing for the special shows at the Java Jazz Festival?
As the Java Jazz Festival revealed in January this year, Jacob Collier will perform a special show on Friday (May 30). The English singer-songwriter first rose to fame on YouTube, where he covered popular songs – often playing multiple instruments and singing multiple harmonies himself – such as his viral rendition of Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing". A master at blending genres like jazz and pop, he's since gone on to win multiple Grammy awards.
Tunde Baiyewu will headline Saturday's (May 31) special show. He's the vocalist of the British pop-soul duo Lighthouse Family, which split in 2022 after 28 years of chart-topping tracks and Platinum hits – songs that he'll be bringing back for the festival performance. As a solo artist, he's released two albums: Tunde (2004) and Diamond In A Rock (2013).
British singer-songwriter Raye completes the dazzling special show line-up on Sunday (June 1). A versatile artist who's as comfortable with pop and R&B as she is with jazz and soul, Raye recently swept a record-breaking six awards at the Brit Awards 2024.
Who else can I look forward to in the line-up?
Where do we even begin? The first wave line-up announcement included names like Canadian electro-soul collective Busty and the Bass, English jazz drumming tour de force The Yussef Dayes Experience, celebrated American jazz singer Jane Monheit, a Brazilian and global music collaboration Munir Hossn & Elas, the humorous and talented American a capella group Straight No Chaser, and 2024 NPR Tiny Desk Contest winner The Philharmonik.
More artists have joined the line-up, like jazz fusion collective Snarky Puppy, American funk band Lettuce, and Latin Jazz musician Jose Miguel. You can also look forward to Stevie Wonder tributes with The Stevie Wonder Celebration and more jazzy goodness with Jeff Lorber, BPM, and Tony Monaco – among other established and emerging greats here.
Since its inception in 2005, the Java Jazz Festival has also made it a point to showcase Indonesian talent. This year's no different, with smooth crooner Adikara Fardy, contemporary R&B and jazz artist Dreane, and emerging singer-songwriter Bilal Indrajaya announced in the first wave lineup. More local acts include Endah N Rhesa Extended, Nyoman Paul, Rahmania Astrini, and Rieke Roslan & Nada Dara.
How much are tickets?
A day pass costs 875,000 IDR, while a three-day pass costs 2,100,000 IDR.
If you're keen on catching a special show, you must get a separate entry ticket. Here are the prices:
- Jacob Collier special show: 350,000 IDR
- Tunde special show: 275,000 IDR
- Raye special show: 545,000 IDR
Where do I get tickets?
All tickets are now available online on Java Jazz Festival's official website.
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