Sunday night. Jazz Bar & Grill is dimly lit; every table is filled with jazz enthusiasts. Everyone has come to witness the performance of two of Indonesia’s most influential pop-jazz songwriters, composers, producers, and musicians, Deddy Dhukun and Dodo Zakaria.

Since the early 80’s Deddy Dhukun (formerly known as 2D with fellow singer Dian Pramana Poetra) and Dodo Zakaria have been producing some of Indonesia’s most acclaimed hits, sung by the likes of Vina Panduwinata, Fariz RM, Dian PP, January Christie, Malida, and many more.

Deddy on vocals and Dodo on keyboard performed a medley of their songs, including “Sakura” from Fariz RM, and “Semua Jadi Satu” (Everything as One), previously a hit for Malida. The crowd cheered as though welcoming an old familiar friend when Deddy continued with “Keraguan” (Doubts), a song that was once the signature tune of 2D. He bridged each song with anecdotes and jokes which added to the intimacy of the evening. Deddy even pulled a member of the crowd on stage to sing with him. Throughout the concert everyone sang together non stop and it was amazing to be a part of.

We all went home with big smiles on our faces, as if we’d just come back from a journey through a time machine, back in high school when the worries of life never crossed our mind. It was a joyful evening of memories. / MK