T

he fourth Java Soulnation kicked off Friday, with Grammy Award winning American hip hop singer Nelly featured on the first day.

The three-day festival opened with a performance by six-piece local soul band Un Soiree.

The first day also included a tribute to Amy Winehouse.

The tribute was presented soulfully by 9SuppaSoulSistas comprising Sania, Jaydee, Jemima, Yacko, Davina, Olive Latuputty, Tike Priatnakusumah and Moluccas Reunion.

“Today, exactly 60 days ago we lost an inspiring soul singer, Amy Winehouse, and we’re here to honor her work,” said Olive before singing Winehouse’s “Help Yourself”.

The tribute was directed by Ali Akbar in collaboration with Nikita Dompas, Arie Firman and Rayendra Sunito, among others.

Friday’s festival also saw performances by other local musicians, including newcomer Raisa.

Maliq & D’essentials, Bayu Risa, Sir Dandy and SOB were also among the local performers.

International performers were Grammy Award Winner Naughty by Nature, Valerius from the Netherlands, and Nelly as the headline performance.

For the first time, Java Soulnation will be held over three days, running through Sunday in Istora Senayan in Central Jakarta.

Local and international performers will entertain music lovers in the festival’s five stages with special
performances.

Java Festival Production’s program coordinator Eki Puradiredja said that this year’s festival was formed in a more daring concept, presenting more new artists offering party and urban genres.

On Saturday, the festival will present LMFAO, Japanese acoustic duo Depapepe, Homogenic and Aktion to Reaction.

Sunday’s performers include Sophie Ellis Bextor, Public Enemy, Hook and Aditya.