ENTERTAINMENT
From Good Vibes, Justin Bieber to Dewa 19: A Guide to the Malaysia's Best Concerts & Festivals in 2022
Hurrah hurrah, Malaysia's festival season is here! Ever since the pandemic restrictions were relaxed, music festivities were brought back after 2 years of silence. Recently, thousands gathered at Gamuda Cove for the Atas Angin Independent Festival featuring an all-local lineup.
With that, we've put together a long list of festivals and concerts you have to go this year (or else you'll totally miss out!). 
If there’s one good thing to come from the pandemic is the colourful Indonesian disco duo we all now know as Diskoria. Consists of Merdi Simanjuntak dan Fadli Aat, Diskoria is known for their unique collaborations with other Indonesian musicians and even actors for the past couple of years including songs with Dian Sastrowardoyo and Mortal Kombat’s Subzero, Joe Taslim.
Tala Records Asia Presents Diskoria Live in KL
If there’s one good thing to come from the pandemic is the colourful Indonesian disco duo we all now know as Diskoria. Consists of Merdi Simanjuntak dan Fadli Aat, Diskoria is known for their unique collaborations with other Indonesian musicians and even actors for the past couple of years including songs with Dian Sastrowardoyo and Mortal Kombat’s Subzero, Joe Taslim. The duo will be decorating REXKL with foot-tapping disco tunes together with local acts Karpet Terbang and Bad Habits this 20th of August.
Date: 20th August
Ticket Price: RM105. Buy your tickets here: https://talarecordsasia.com/event/diskoria/
Venue: REXKL
Try Listening To: Seranata Jiwa Lara, C.H.R.I.S.Y.E
Pamungkas is already a big name in Asia, gaining attention from music fans across South East Asia. The Jakartan born-and-bred first broke into the scene with his impactful record ‘Walk the Talk’ before becoming the most streamed Indonesian artist a couple of years after. Pamungkas truly struck a chord with fans after his emotional cover tribute of Dewa 19’s ‘Pupus’ and ‘Risalah Hati’ and have never looked back since.
Pamungkas ‘Birdy” South East Asia Tour (KL Leg)
Pamungkas is already a big name in Asia, gaining attention from music fans across South East Asia. The Jakartan born-and-bred first broke into the scene with his impactful record ‘Walk the Talk’ before becoming the most streamed Indonesian artist a couple of years after. Pamungkas truly struck a chord with fans after his emotional cover tribute of Dewa 19’s ‘Pupus’ and ‘Risalah Hati’ and have never looked back since. Pamungkas will be gracing The Bee together with Malaysian act Francoe.
Date: 3rd September
Ticket Price: RM145. Buy your tickets here: https://talarecordsasia.com/event/pamungkas/
Venue: The Bee, Publika
Try Listening To: To The Bone, I Love You But I’m Letting Go, Kenangan Manis
Kunto Aji started out as a contestant in a singing competition called Indonesian Idol before embarking on his own unique musical journey that led to the production of his most celebrated album, Mantra Mantra. Today, Kunto Aji is well celebrated here in Malaysia, as most seats for his upcoming concert in KL are sold out.
Fabulous Friday presents Kunto Aji
Kunto Aji started out as a contestant in a singing competition called Indonesian Idol before embarking on his own unique musical journey that led to the production of his most celebrated album, Mantra Mantra. Today, Kunto Aji is well celebrated here in Malaysia, as most seats for his upcoming concert in KL are sold out.There are only a handful of slots left so if you’re eager to ‘Rehat’ with Kunto Aji, now is the perfect time to do so!
Date: 19th August
Ticket Price: Various Packages. Buy your tickets here: https://www.dfp.com.my/kunto-aji
Venue: Petronas Philharmonic Hall
Try Listening To: Rehat, Saudade, Pilu Membiru
Finally, after a few Good Vibes-less years, Malaysia’s current biggest international festival returns with a brand concept and a fresh new lineup. Good Vibes Weekender features a unique mix of international and Malaysian talents to throw the biggest party in Sunway Lagoon since MTV Worldstage. Among the performers will be Jackson Wang, Beabadoobee, CL, Pink Sweats together with Leaism, Midnight Fusic, Alex Ungku, Late Night Frequency and more.
Good Vibes Weekender
Finally, after a few Good Vibes-less years, Malaysia’s current biggest international festival returns with a brand concept and a fresh new lineup. Good Vibes Weekender features a unique mix of international and Malaysian talents to throw the biggest party in Sunway Lagoon since MTV Worldstage. Among the performers will be Jackson Wang, Beabadoobee, CL, Pink Sweats together with Leaism, Midnight Fusic, Alex Ungku, Late Night Frequency and more.Feel the Good Vibes with a roster of talented artists right here:
Date: 23rd to 24th September
Ticket Price: Various packages here: https://events.pouchnation.com/event/goodvibesweekender
Venue: Sunway Lagoon
Our Picks: Late Night Frequency, The Peachskins, Midnight Fusic and Beabadoobee
Sarawakians! Sunbear Festival will be blessing your grounds with bands and artists from all around the world. The first of its kind, Sunbear will be bringing the likes of Boy Pablo to Kuching alongside Malaysian bands Plague of Happiness, No Good and Indonesian 88Rising rapper, Ramengvrl. A festival to rival the size of Good Vibes, Sunbear looks set to be the biggest festival in East Malaysia after Rocktoberfest a few years back.
Sunbear Festival
Sarawakians! Sunbear Festival will be blessing your grounds with bands and artists from all around the world. The first of its kind, Sunbear will be bringing the likes of Boy Pablo to Kuching alongside Malaysian bands Plague of Happiness, No Good and Indonesian 88Rising rapper, Ramengvrl. A festival to rival the size of Good Vibes, Sunbear looks set to be the biggest festival in East Malaysia after Rocktoberfest a few years back.Get the bears out because it’s party time in Kuching!
Date: 9th and 10th December
Ticket Price: Various Packages. Purchase your tickets here:
Venue: MBKS Community Hall Carpark, Kuching
Our Picks: Sweetass, LUNADIRA, boy pablo and Forests
One of the most popular Indonesian bands in Malaysia, Dewa 19 made a name for themselves outside of their home country since their first album. Dubbed the Godfathers of Nusantara rock, Dewa 19 returns after their concert in 2019 met with disappointment as head honcho Ahmad Dhani was arrested.
SOLD OUT SHOWS
Dewa Live in KL 2022
One of the most popular Indonesian bands in Malaysia, Dewa 19 made a name for themselves outside of their home country since their first album. Dubbed the Godfathers of Nusantara rock, Dewa 19 returns after their concert in 2019 met with disappointment as head honcho Ahmad Dhani was arrested. Together with former vocalists Ari Lasso and Once, Dewa 19 will make their Malaysian comeback in a fully-booked Axiata Arena this September.
Date: 19th August
Ticket Price: Officially Sold Out
Venue: Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil
Try Listening To: Pupus, Risalah Hati, Kangen, Satu, Laskar Cinta
Another popular Indonesian outfit, Fourtwnty, sold out the whole of Zepp Kuala Lumpur, Lalaport’s new event space. The band’s popularity blew up when one of their songs was featured in a famous romcom called Filosofi Kopi 2. This visit is their 2nd after a convincing debut a few years back at Nusantarocks together with Sisitipsi, Barasuara, Hujan and Kugiran Masdo. You can bet 2,000 indie-sendu loving peeps will be singing every word in their discography.
Fourtwnty Heliotropisme Live in KL
Another popular Indonesian outfit, Fourtwnty, sold out the whole of Zepp Kuala Lumpur, Lalaport’s new event space. The band’s popularity blew up when one of their songs was featured in a famous romcom called Filosofi Kopi 2. This visit is their 2nd after a convincing debut a few years back at Nusantarocks together with Sisitipsi, Barasuara, Hujan and Kugiran Masdo. You can bet 2,000 indie-sendu loving peeps will be singing every word in their discography.Experience ‘Fana Merah Jambu’ live with the details below:
Date: 1st October
Ticket Price: SOLD OUT
Venue: Zepp KL
Try Listening To: Zona Nyaman, Aku Tenang, Fana Merah Jambu
When Justin Bieber announced he’s diagnosed with a rare disease called the Ramsay-Hunt syndrome, fans were worried that he’ll cancel his KL leg of his tour to focus on his recovery. Thankfully for Beliebers, the show will go on as JB will still be serenading fans at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium with all his hits, both new ones and classics. The Grammy-award winning artist’s show will be one to watch this year!
Justin Bieber’s JUSTICE World Tour Live in KL
When Justin Bieber announced he’s diagnosed with a rare disease called the Ramsay-Hunt syndrome, fans were worried that he’ll cancel his KL leg of his tour to focus on his recovery. Thankfully for Beliebers, the show will go on as JB will still be serenading fans at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium with all his hits, both new ones and classics. The Grammy-award winning artist’s show will be one to watch this year!From ‘Baby’ to ‘Yummy’, you can expect this megastar to entertain!
Date: 22nd October
Ticket Price: SOLD OUT
Venue: Bukit Jalil National Stadium
Try Listening To: STAY, Ghost, Peaches
The closest Billie has ever been to Malaysia was Singapore during one of the Laneway shows a few years back. Luckily for Malaysians, the ‘Bad Guy’ singer will be entertaining fans right here in our home country. The 20 year old artist included Malaysia as part as her Happier Than Ever World Tour alongside Thailand and Singapore, promoting her much-celebrated album of the same name.
Billie Eilish 'Happier Than Ever' World Tour
The closest Billie has ever been to Malaysia was Singapore during one of the Laneway shows a few years back. Luckily for Malaysians, the ‘Bad Guy’ singer will be entertaining fans right here in our home country. The 20 year old artist included Malaysia as part as her Happier Than Ever World Tour alongside Thailand and Singapore, promoting her much-celebrated album of the same name. Get ready for some Billie Bossa Nova at Bukit Jalil this 18th of August!
Date: 18th August
Ticket Price: SOLD OUT
Venue: Bukit Jalil National Stadium
Try Listening To: TV, lovely, No Time To Die, Bored
Must-Watch Video