STADIUM Putra in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur is set to welcome Indonesia's dangdut queen, Inul Daratista, on Sunday.

Inul, 29, whose real name is Ainur Rokhimah Abdullah Aman, hails from Pasuruan in East Java. She is best known for her distinctive dangdut dance style goyang gerudi, as well as her hit songs Hello Dangdut, Melati, Cindai, Kopi Lambada, Bojo Loro and Kuncung.

Dangdut is a uniquely Javanese pop dance style that is influenced by music from India, West Asia and Iberia. It is enjoyed especially by the indigenous communities in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore.

Characterised by sensual, hip-swivelling movements reminiscent of belly-dancing as well as melodious singing, dangdut was largely popularised in Indonesia by veteran artiste Rhoma Irama.

The music genre’s lyrics are often associated with love, heartbreak and poverty.
Inul began her singing and dancing career in 1992 when she performed a dangdut-style interpretation of 1980s chart-topper The Final Countdown, made popular by the group Europe. She combines dangdut with Western music styles, most notably jazz, salsa and rock.

By 2003, Inul had had her commercial breakthrough and became Indonesia's highest paid entertainer and a rags-to-riches phenomenon.

Regarded as a major pop icon in her home country, Inul also participated in the 2006 reality talent show Bintang Cari Bintang, an Indonesian spin-off of TV3's Mentor. Her student Ima emerged as the show's champion.

Inul's 8.30pm concert is organised by IMS Prima Sdn Bhd. Tickets are priced at RM50 and RM100. Call 03-2693-6818.