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Jazz prodigy Joey Alexander named 'next generation leader'
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Joey Alexander receives big applause during the 41st anniversary of the Bern Jazz Festival held from March to May in the capital city of Switzerland. (Patricia Paramita/-)
Indonesian jazz prodigy Joey Alexander has been listed as among Next Generation Leaders by Time magazine.
The list consists of creators, storytellers and advocates who are considered to have important roles and the ability to influence others in future generations.
Praised as "The Master of the Keys” and “one of the youngest jazz stars”, the 13-year-old pianist is included on the list alongside youths from all around the world, such as designer Apiche "Madaew" Atirattana from Thailand and Irish actress Saoirse Ronan.
“I really don’t think I’m a genius or a prodigy,” he told Time. “I want people to dig my music, and not care about who I am.”
A devoted Christian, Joey believes his music is a gift from God. “My music, it’s a gift from God, and it’s a gift I’ve had to learn. It takes hard work and focus.”
Renowned jazz musician and Joey’s mentor, Wynton Marsalis, expresses his admiration toward him. “I like his music, rhythm, confidence and understanding about music,” said Marsalis as quoted by kompas.com.
(Read also: Ismail Marzuki, Van Lith, Martha Tilaar on cultural award winners list)
Born in Denpasar, Bali, in 2003, Joey was the youngest nominee at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards in 2016. He was nominated in two categories for his debut album My Favorite Things.
Currently residing in New York with his parents, Joey performed in front of US President Barack Obama at the White House. During his concert in Jakarta in May, he performed traditional Jakarta song “Kicir-kicir” on the request of Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, who attended the concert.
Joey recently released his latest album, Countdown. (kes)
