Indra Lesmana Complains The Fewer Jazz Musicians Appear At Jazz Music Festival

Indra Lesmana (Instagram @indralesmana)

JAKARTA - Indonesian jazz maestro, Indra Lesmana, voiced his concern about the jazz music ecosystem in the country which was deemed unbalanced in recent times.

Through a statement uploaded on Instagram Story, the 59-year-old musician said that the fewer jazz musicians who appeared in music festivals on behalf of the event were jazz performances.

"The fewer jazz musicians appear at jazz festivals. Without jazz, jazz festivals lose their souls," said Indra, Wednesday, July 9.

Firmly speaking, Indra said jazz music is not dead in Indonesia, but is currently evolving. He mentioned that many young musicians brought new ideas in the development of Indonesian jazz music.

"There are many young artists who take a new breath into jazz," said Indra.

"Currently, there are many great jazz talents 'independent, creative, and full of vision. Support them. Give them a stage," he said.

Furthermore, the son of jazz legend Jack Lesmana said jazz festivals must be felt nge-jazz, which certainly supports the jazz music ecosystem.

And we don't need more festivals that are just chasing numbers. We need a brave festival, a festival that provides space for artists to breathe, and gives viewers the opportunity to feel something more deeply," he said.

At the end of his statement, Indra expressed hope for those who hold jazz music festivals to really work for the future of jazz in Indonesia.

"To all the promoters who read this: you have the power to shape the future of jazz. Use it well," he said. Let your next lineup speak not only to the market, but also to the soul.