Indonesian singer Cakra Khan is ready to step out of his comfort zone, writes Syahirah Mokhtazar
IT’S the end of 2016 and everyone is busy gearing up to ring in the new year, but Indonesian singer Cakra Kona Paryaman — more affectionately known as Cakra Khan — is working to complete his yet untitled album.
In fact, the singer will be skipping the new year’s celebration with his family in Pangandaran, West Java.
“I will be in Jakarta to focus on my new album. This album has been a work-in-progress since early this year and I’m hoping to release it early next year. For now, four tracks have been completed,” he said in an interview. There are six more songs to complete. Cakra Khan was in KL recently to promote his single Mencari Cinta Sejati.
OUT OF THE BUBBLE
Ever since his breakthrough in the Indonesian and Malaysian music scene with his single Harus Terpisah in 2012, followed by the release of similar torchy ballads such as Setelah Kau Tiada (2013) and Mengingat Dia (2013), he is known for singing sad, heart-wrenching songs.
At 23, the singer proved his vocal capabilities when he was invited to collaborate with Datuk Siti Nurhaliza for her song Seluruh Cinta in 2014. The tune also became the official soundtrack for local drama Suamiku Encik Perfect 10, which featured Aaron Aziz and Lisa Surihani.
He also performed the song live with Siti, during her two-hour concert Datuk Siti Nurhaliza and Friends last April.
Cakra is ready for upbeat and motivational tracks. “My new album will see a variety of songs injected with lively, soulful melodies. It’s time I step out of my comfort zone and prove to my fans I am capable of singing a variety of genres,” said the singer who is a big fan of Coldplay.
“But that doesn’t mean I will steer away from slow ballads. I will still include a few slow numbers in my new album,” he said.
His plans to come out with new material goes alongside his new year’s resolution, which is to constantly evolve and, most importantly, to make his parents proud.
OPEN SHOWCASE
During his four-day visit here, Cakra had a tight schedule; from a media conference to performing at a golden jubilee dinner at Universiti Teknologi Mara in Shah Alam on the same day.
The following day, the singer performed an open showcase to promote Mencari Cinta Sejati released last June.
Mencari Cinta Sejati is the original soundtrack for the movie Rudy Habibie (Habibie & Ainun 2). The tune marked his first song composed by fellow Indonesian singer-songwriter Melly Goeslaw.
He admitted in a previous interview with the New Straits Times that it was indeed not the easiest song to deliver. But the song proved to be a hit, winning the hearts of many, especially female fans. To date, his music video for the single has garnered more than 2.3 million viewers on YouTube.
Fans gathered at the entrance of Berjaya Times Square mall in the heart of the city, waiting anxiously for the man of the hour to appear. Though it wasn’t a large crowd, almost every single person in the audience sang their heart out as he sped through the short list of songs.
Among them were hit singles like Harus Terpisah, Setelah Kau Tiada, and of course, Mencari Cinta Sejati. That night after his performance, he also attended the prestigious award show, Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM) 22 to present an award for Best Vocals (Male) alongside award-winning singer Hafiz Suip.
Cakra admitted the release of Mencari Cinta Sejati opened up more opportunities for him. Since then, there has been more Indonesian filmmakers approaching in him to record soundtracks, but the singer remained tight-lipped when asked for more details.
The new year is only about to begin, but it’s already looking bright and busy for Cakra. And while his single Mencari Cinta Sejati translates to looking for true love, the singer is indeed, still in search for his true love.