Considered the heart of Indonesia, Jakarta is a city known for being the cultural, economic and tourist hub of the country. The city exudes a fast paced, fluid and vibrant culture, incorporating the principles of its western counter parts to grow and retain its advanced stance in the modern world.
Alongside the desire to facilitate globalization of the country, the lifestyle of the community too changed drastically with the introduction of western influences. Among which, a sensation that has fast become a globally popular phenomenon, drawing thousands of locals and international viewers to one location is the Jakarta International Jazz Festival, an event founded by a jazz music enthusiast celebrating the universal love for music, specifically jazz among other musical genres. Though the festival venue shifts, it is always organized in a prime area of the city, whereby tourists on vacation who reside in any hotel, Central Jakarta such as the luxurious Alila Jakarta during this festival period, are just a short walk away from being awestruck by the amazing talents of Indonesian and international artists.
Initially held in 2005, this exhibition of various musical mediums has attracted a growing loyal following from all over the world making this festival one of the largest musical events in the world as well as undoubtedly ‘the largest music festival’ in the southern hemisphere of the world. Spread across the span of three days, the Jakarta International Jazz Festival kicks off with a series of pre event activities where some of the international and Indonesian artists perform at various hangout places such as malls, clubs and cafes. The artists use these opportunities to connect with the public through a musical medium and peak the interests of the observing music lovers thereby guaranteeing their attendance at the big event.
Intrigued by history, art and food, Shazzana Hamid is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary. Disguised as Lavinia Woolf she writes of the exhilarating and enchanting.