Dira Sugandi's Story: Becoming A Grammy Member Thanks To Appearing At The Java Jazz Festival

Dira Sugandi will appear at the Java Jazz Festival 2025 (photo: Instagram @dirasugandiI)

Dira Sugandi sees the Java Jazz Festival (JJF) not just an ordinary music event, which only provides a stage for jazz singers and musicians in the country. For him, this festival has paved a wider road to other parts of the world.

The singer who was born in Bandung 45 years ago, never hesitate to say that the music festival initiated by Peter F. Gontha has formed his music career to date.

"Personally, for me, Java Jazz and how it impacts my career, that's really amazing. Java Jazz really opened the door and gave me many opportunities," said Dira when contacted by VOI, Monday, April 7.

With its label as an international-scale jazz music festival, Dira has the opportunity to collaborate with many of the world's great musicians. Even the relationship is getting further and further, until it is registered as a member of the Grammy (member) or a member of the Recording Academy (as the organizer of the Grammys).

"I didn't expect to be able to collaborate with legendary musicians like George Duke and Harvey Mason Sr., which in the end, the domino effect didn't stop there," said Dira.

When I sang with Harvey Mason, it turned out that his son was a producer, I was known and could record with him. After the recording, it turned out that he was appointed as CEO of the Grammys, after that I could become a Grammy member too," he continued.

Being a member of the Grammys is not an easy matter, there are many conditions that must be met first. Which makes it even more special, only those who are members can register their work as nominations for the Grammy Awards.

"Many Indonesian musicians don't know the rich. Yes, finally I was recommended by him (Harvey Mason Jr.) to become a member," he said.

As a member of the Grammys, said Dira, his relationship with many musicians and music actors in the world is getting wider. Communication with fellow members often occurs to support each other.

Dira is well aware that this achievement was achieved thanks to what he got from his involvement in the Java Jazz Festival so far.

"So it's okay, my networking (relations) went wide. Yes, it's all thanks to Java Jazz," he said.

Dira will also appear in this year's performance. He said there would be a special appearance that had been prepared with other Indonesian musicians. In addition, he will also appear in the concept of a solo performance with his own theme.

This year, we will do something special for sure. I will be involved in a special project with several local musicians. Of course we will present something very different, because this is the 20th year (JJF)," said Dira.

"But besides that, I will also present my own set for solo ones. It seems like this year I want to make tributes to legendary female soul singers," he added.

For information, this year's JJF will be held at JIExpo Kemayoran, Central Jakarta on May 30 - June 1. The organizers will present 11 stages featuring around 30 foreign performers and dozens of domestic performers.

Meanwhile, foreign performers who have been confirmed to appear include Jacob Collier, Raye, Tune Baiyewu, Snarky Puppy, Lettuse, Thevie Wonder Celebration, Jose Miguel, Jeff Lorber, BPM (Brian Bromberg, Paul Brown, Michael Paulo), Tony Monaco, Kamasi Washington, Brian Simpson, Jesus Molina, Shakakak, Yun Seok Cheol Trio, and many more.

Meanwhile, domestic performers include Endah N Rhesa Extended, Nyoman Paul, Rahmania Astrini, Rieka Roslan & Nada Dara, Rizky Febian, Rony Parulian, 80, Jordan Susanto, Nonaria x Horns Big Band, Aib Show, Syahravi and The Lantis, and many more to be announced in the near future.