Биография

For Jakarta-hailed rising star AFGAN, music has always been an equal synergy of far-flung global inspirations matched with a devotion to showcasing his heritage via nods to Indonesian pop. His slow-burning noughties R&B sound simmers with alchemic elements from crackling neo-soul, nostalgic hip-hop and indie, seamlessly blended with his honeyed vocals, introspective lyricism and rolling beats. The artist has stepped into the spotlight as one of Indonesia’s fastest rising stars, and is now making his foray onto a global platform as he teeters on the cusp of his first international album, out in 2021. Raised on soul legends Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston and Brian McKnight, in his early years, self-taught Afgan – full name Afgansyah Reza – grew up a shy individual finding solace in music, slowly gaining confidence in quiet karaoke rooms. One day, in a lightning-strike of serendipity, an impromptu performance of John Legend’s “Ordinary People” – led to a label VP overhearing his performance and offering him a record contract on the spot. His debut album, Confession No.1, dropped back in January 2008, with his follow-up coming a couple of years later with The One – and to date, the artist has five solo albums under his belt. Since then, the wunderkind has been honing his vocal prowess and sharpening his arsenal of instinctive songwriting, leading to the next chapter in his musical journey.