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Muna Tengi
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Top 10 Musicians From Indonesia In The 21st Century
Indonesia’s music scene is one of the most vibrant in Southeast Asia, with a mix of genres ranging from traditional gamelan music to modern pop, rock, hip-hop, and electronic music. The 21st century has seen an explosion of talent in the country, with musicians blending local sounds with global influences. Here are ten of the most influential and popular musicians from Indonesia in the 21st century.
1. Agnez Mo
Agnez Mo, born Agnes Monica, is one of Indonesia’s biggest pop stars and a global ambassador of Indonesian music. Starting as a teen idol, she quickly transitioned into a successful adult pop career. Known for hits like "Coke Bottle" and "Overdose" (featuring Chris Brown), Agnez Mo has become the first Indonesian artist to break into the international market. She is also a prominent fashion icon and has collaborated with numerous international artists, showcasing her versatility across genres like R&B, pop, and hip-hop.
2. Raisa
Raisa Andriana is one of Indonesia’s leading female pop and R&B singers, known for her soulful voice and emotive ballads. Since her debut in 2011, Raisa has captivated audiences with hits like "Serba Salah," "Mantan Terindah," and "Kali Kedua." Her music, which often deals with love and personal growth, has earned her widespread acclaim, and she remains one of Indonesia’s most beloved contemporary artists.
3. Noah (formerly Peterpan)
Noah, originally known as Peterpan, is one of the most iconic Indonesian rock bands of the 21st century. Led by vocalist Ariel, the band gained massive popularity with hits like "Topeng" and "Ada Apa Denganmu." After a rebranding in 2012, they continued to dominate the rock scene in Indonesia. Noah's emotionally charged lyrics and energetic performances have earned them a loyal fan base and several awards throughout their career.
4. Rich Brian
Rich Brian (born Brian Imanuel) is a trailblazer in Indonesian hip-hop, gaining international recognition with his viral single "Dat $tick." Signed to the 88rising label, which focuses on promoting Asian hip-hop talent, Rich Brian became the first Asian artist to top the iTunes Hip-Hop Charts. His albums, such as "Amen" and "The Sailor," have helped solidify his position as a global hip-hop artist. His ability to seamlessly blend humor, introspection, and sharp lyrical prowess has made him a standout figure in the genre.
5. Isyana Sarasvati
Isyana Sarasvati is a classically trained singer, composer, and pianist, who has made waves in the Indonesian pop scene with her unique blend of pop, opera, and classical influences. Known for her songs like "Tetap Dalam Jiwa" and "Keep Being You," Isyana’s music is often praised for its depth and sophistication. Her ability to mix modern pop with elements of classical music sets her apart in the Indonesian music landscape.
6. Tulus
Tulus is a singer-songwriter whose smooth voice and heartfelt lyrics have made him one of Indonesia’s most popular musicians. His style blends jazz, soul, and pop, creating a sound that is both modern and timeless. Songs like "Sepatu," "Monokrom," and "Gajah" have garnered millions of streams, and his albums are critically acclaimed for their simplicity, elegance, and deep emotional resonance. Tulus has a knack for turning personal stories into universally relatable songs, making him a favorite among listeners of all ages.
7. NIKI
NIKI (born Nicole Zefanya) is an Indonesian R&B singer-songwriter who, like Rich Brian, gained international recognition through the 88rising label. Known for her smooth voice and deeply personal lyrics, NIKI has carved a niche for herself in the global R&B scene with hits like "lowkey" and "La La Lost You." Her debut album, "Moonchild," showcased her versatility and growth as an artist, combining elements of R&B, pop, and alternative music. NIKI’s global appeal and authentic storytelling have made her one of Indonesia’s most exciting musical exports.
8. Glenn Fredly
The late Glenn Fredly was a beloved Indonesian singer, songwriter, and producer known for his soulful voice and heartfelt ballads. Fredly’s music, which often explored themes of love, heartbreak, and hope, resonated with millions of Indonesians. Hits like "Januari" and "Terserah" became anthems of Indonesian pop. His contributions to Indonesian music go beyond his own work, as he was also a mentor to younger artists and a strong advocate for the rights of musicians in Indonesia.
9. Yura Yunita
Yura Yunita is an Indonesian singer-songwriter known for her powerful voice and emotionally charged performances. Since releasing her self-titled debut album in 2014, Yura has become known for hits like "Berawal Dari Tatap" and "Intuisi." Her music combines elements of pop, jazz, and folk, creating a sound that is both contemporary and rooted in traditional Indonesian music. Yura’s authenticity and ability to convey deep emotions through her music have made her a standout figure in Indonesia’s music scene.
10. Dewa 19
Dewa 19 is one of Indonesia’s most iconic rock bands, having been influential since the 1990s and continuing their impact well into the 21st century. Led by the talented musician Ahmad Dhani, the band is known for their genre-blending sound, which incorporates rock, pop, and progressive elements. Songs like "Kangen," "Pupus," and "Risalah Hati" have become classics, resonating with multiple generations of listeners. Even with various line-up changes over the years, Dewa 19 has maintained their place as legends in the Indonesian rock scene.
Conclusion
Indonesia’s music scene in the 21st century is as diverse as the country itself, with a wide range of genres and artists making waves both domestically and internationally. From the global pop and hip-hop success of Agnez Mo and Rich Brian to the deeply emotional ballads of artists like Tulus and Raisa, Indonesia’s musicians are pushing boundaries and blending genres to create unique sounds. Whether through indie, pop, hip-hop, or traditional music, these artists are making their mark on the global stage and ensuring that Indonesian music continues to evolve and thrive.
