DESPITE having created a name for himself in the Indonesian music scene, as well as in neighbouring countries, singer Cakra Khan says this didn't stop him from entering a reality show to compete against new talent.
"I've never put a limit on myself. There's nothing wrong with taking part in a singing competition even though I've been singing professionally for some time now," says the singer, who participated in ʻAmerica's Got Talent 2023', which aired in the middle of last year.
Game for exposure
"Besides, it's also a good opportunity to gain wider exposure," he says.
When it comes to exposure, Cakra, whose real name is Cakra Konta Paryaman, needs no introduction to Malaysian music enthusiasts.
The singer with a husky voice has already amassed a huge following here.
How else can one explain the confidence that concert organisers have in bringing him to Malaysia for shows year after year?
Back again
Cakra's latest concert, dubbed ʻA Decade — Cakra Khan — Live In Kuala Lumpur 2.0', is set to take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre's Plenary Hall next month.
It was only last year that he performed at the same venue, which saw a solid turnout of over 2,500 fans.
Apart from singing his songs, which included ʻKepada Hati', 'Mencari Cinta Sejati', ʻOpera Tuhan', and ʻNanti', he also entertained fans with songs popularised by others, such as ʻHanya Memuji' (Shanty), ʻI Will Survive' (Gloria Gaynor), ʻJealous' (Labyrinth) and ʻKamelia' (Sweet Charity).
His previous show also featured performances with Malaysian singers Khai Bahar and Aina Abdul, on songs like ʻBukan Cinta Biasa', ʻSeluruh Cinta' and ʻTerlalu Cinta'.
Orchestral bliss
"I promise fans here that the concert (on Feb 17) will be a different experience not just for them, but for me as well," shares the singer who turns 32, on Feb 27.
He will sing with a full orchestra, led by Datuk Ramli MS.
Apart from his own band, he will be accompanied by about 32 musicians from the orchestra.
He believes that a performance accompanied by a full orchestra will make his songs' melodies much more beautiful and alive.
"It has always been a long-time dream of mine to perform on the stage accompanied by orchestral music. That was why most of my songs would be perfect to be accompanied by an orchestra," explains the singer.
The idea for having an orchestra was both his and the organiser's.
"It began when we were just talking about this concert. As it happened, from the last concert, Cakra was lucky to have Ramli arrange on two songs for orchestral accompaniment, and we thought it'd be great if we could up the ante this time," says concert organiser Seven Skies Motion Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Azlin Hilda Abdul Latif.
Seven Skies Motion was also responsible for last year's concert.
Other surprises
Meanwhile, as Cakra is also scheduled to drop a new album soon, concertgoers can expect to hear some of the new tunes.
"That evening will also be my special gift to fans here as I will also sing some of the songs (from the upcoming album) in public for the first time," he says with a smile.
"I will also invite a popular Malaysian singer to perform at the concert, but up to now, both the concert organiser and I have yet to decide on who that will be."