Thousands of concertgoers enjoyed head-bobbing and body-moving performances at the inaugural SoundsFair Festival at the Jakarta Convention Center in Central Jakarta over the weekend.

Festival organizers brought an assorted mix of pop, rock, electronica and experimental music performances to an indoor venue in the heart of the capital.

Among the well-known musicians to headline the event on Saturday evening were Indonesian power singer Ipang and Australian popstar Cody Simpson.

Simpson, who is known for his successful singles such as “iYiYi” and “On My Mind”, sang songs from his albums Paradise (2012) and Surfers Paradise (2013).

“Jakarta, how are you? This is my first time here, thank you for having me and giving me a warm welcome. I love you,” a guitar-wielding Simpson greeted hundreds of his screaming fans at the main hall.

More than a few teenage girls collapsed and had to be taken to the venue sidelines as Simpson delivered his songs, including “Summer Shades”, “Love” and “Got Me Good”.

Earlier in the evening, on the same stage, singer Ipang belted out powerful blues rock tunes to amazed festivalgoers.

Ipang, the former vocalist of rock bands Plastik and BIP, also introduced a new single he had just completed ahead of the festival titled “Cari Celah” (Looking for a break).

Magic !: (JP/Awo)
“It’s an honor to be able to play on this stage tonight. I want to be friends with you guys; let’s sing together,” Ipang said from the stage. His setlist included “Sekali Lagi” (Once again), “Crazy”, “Waktu” (Time), “Saat Seperti Ini” (At this moment), “Sahabat Kecil” (Little friend) and “Cinta Baru” (New love).

Also performing on Saturday were live-oriented indie group Pandai Besi and urban pop-jazz group Maliq & D’Essentials.

Pandai Besi, which was conceived as an experimental project by members of Indonesian indie big names Efek Rumah Kaca, mesmerized the audience with its signature mix of jangly guitars, minimalistic drumming, choir and brass sounds.

Among the songs they played on the evening were “Jangan Bakar Buku” (Don’t burn the book), “Hujan Jangan Marah” (Rain, don’t get angry), “Insomnia” and “Melankolia” (Melancholy).

Maliq & D’Essentials was immediately greeted with cheers and applause by the audience in the packed hall as they began its opening fanfare.

Vocalists Angga and Indah took fans on a joy ride as they sang and danced through a live repertoir that included “Terlalu” (Too much) and “Dunia Sekitar” (The world around).

College student Mira Hanalia said she was delighted to come to be at the festival because of the range of musicians. “There are interesting new Indonesian musicians performing. The location, right in the heart of the city, makes it easy to reach,” said the 20-year-old, who came to the event with her group of friends.

Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra: (JP/Awo)

Thousands of concertgoers enjoyed head-bobbing and body-moving performances at the inaugural SoundsFair Festival at the Jakarta Convention Center in Central Jakarta over the weekend.

Festival organizers brought an assorted mix of pop, rock, electronica and experimental music performances to an indoor venue in the heart of the capital.

Among the well-known musicians to headline the event on Saturday evening were Indonesian power singer Ipang and Australian popstar Cody Simpson.

Simpson, who is known for his successful singles such as '€œiYiYi'€ and '€œOn My Mind'€, sang songs from his albums Paradise (2012) and Surfers Paradise (2013).

'€œJakarta, how are you? This is my first time here, thank you for having me and giving me a warm welcome. I love you,'€ a guitar-wielding Simpson greeted hundreds of his screaming fans at the main hall.

More than a few teenage girls collapsed and had to be taken to the venue sidelines as Simpson delivered his songs, including '€œSummer Shades'€, '€œLove'€ and '€œGot Me Good'€.

Earlier in the evening, on the same stage, singer Ipang belted out powerful blues rock tunes to amazed festivalgoers.

Ipang, the former vocalist of rock bands Plastik and BIP, also introduced a new single he had just completed ahead of the festival titled '€œCari Celah'€ (Looking for a break).