Incognito Is Still A Loyal Friend For Indonesian Jazz Lovers

Incognito performs at the Java Jazz Festival 2024/PHOTO: Ivan Two Men-VOI

JAKARTA - Incognito again appeared at the Java Jazz Festival 2024 which was held at JIExpo Kemayoran, Central Jakarta.

This is the umpteenth time for Jean-Paul 'Blueey' Maunick, the frontman of the group, to play in front of Indonesian jazz lovers. They even became the line-up for the first Java Jazz Festival in 2005.

Even though they have often performed at the Java Jazz Festival, the presence of Incognito is still very much in demand by many people. BNI Hall, as the biggest venue in this event, is almost full of spectators.

Sitil a Friend of Mine, hit Incognito from the album 'Postivity' (1993) is still the most anticipated song. When Bluey played intro songs with his guitar, the audience moved from where he sat and simultaneously stepped forward to the stage.

Bluey calls it a friendly song. He also experimented with thousands of spectators who attended, and asked them to unite in harmony.

"Look at me, you are singing in harmony together," Bluey said in a performance, Friday, May 24.

"Then, someone comes up with their stupidity, they can be someone at work, someone in politics, someone who leads a country, or someone who is your neighbor, who tries to separate you from each other," continued Bluey.

For me, this song represents unity, to unite the people.

Bluey asked the audience to one another with each other to shout and accept the harmony presented through music.

"This is the world I want the rest of my life," he said.

Despite appearing as the closing of the first day until midnight, Incognito's presence made thousands of people continue to watch faithfully until the end.

Bluey also talked about her experience playing in Indonesia, especially Jakarta, as an experience that is always full of impressions.

"I love Jakarta. This is our second home," said Bluey.

At the end of his appearance, Bluey also received a series of flowers from Peter F Gontha, the initiator of the Java Jazz Festival. Then, he played encore after the audience asked for him.

In the show which lasted about 80 minutes, Incognito performed eleven repertoires, including Nothing Makes Me Better, Keep Me In The Dark, Step Aside, When the Sun Comes Down, Colibri, and Don't You Worry Bout a Thing.