Have you ever had a moment in your life that really made an impression on you? Not just an exciting or fun experience, but something really moving, that makes us reflect and ask ourselves, “Have I really lived?”
Music for many people is not just entertainment. It can be a friend, a storyteller, or even a teacher that teaches us many things about life. And concerts, for me, are more than just watching musicians perform. Concerts are an experience, an energy, and a journey of feelings that often cannot be expressed in words.
I believe everyone has their own way of enjoying music. The same goes for how they understand the lyrics and the notes. Even musicians can’t fully control how their songs are received and represented by listeners. That’s the magic of music. It’s free, it’s wild, and it touches everyone in different ways.
“Urup” Kunto Aji: A Journey of the Soul in Tone
Not long ago, a friend told me about a concert that completely changed his perspective on life. The concert was “Urup”, a performance by Kunto Aji during the turn of the year 2024-2025 at Edupark Dormitory, Yogyakarta. This concert was not just a musical event, but also a deep experience of self-reflection.
For two days, December 31, 2024 to January 1, 2025, Urup took the audience on a journey towards life balance. The show invites them to build good habits, such as waking up earlier and going to bed earlier, something that may sound trivial but is actually very impactful. More than that, the concert led them to recognize themselves, let go of negativity, and soak in the positive energy around them. Urup invites participants to grow physically, mentally, spiritually, socially, and emotionally.
Read also: Kahayya’s Blind Concert: Creating an Inclusive Ecosystem for Disability
My friend said that this concert has a different concept from concerts in general. If concerts are usually held to have fun, Urup is instead a moment to reflect. Like other concerts he had been to, my friend’s goal was to release stress and sadness. However, this time something was different, he felt more grateful and more open to receiving positive energy after returning from the event.
“I came to this concert not just to listen to music,” my friend said. ‘I came to find peace, to reflect, to grow,’ he continued.
And as it turned out, that’s exactly what he got. He returned from this event and arrived in Jakarta feeling lighter, more grateful, more understanding that life does have its ups and downs. But in the end, she continued, the most important thing is how we live it with a more spacious heart.
Panji Sakti’s “Blind Concert”: Listening with Heart
I, myself, always take the time to attend various music events every year with various music genres and concepts. Each concert gives a different impression, but there is one that really leaves a mark on my heart, which is “Blind Concert” by Panji Sakti.
This concert was unique because it didn’t involve any visual distractions. Few sparkling spotlights, no spectacular visuals that spoil the eyes. Instead, all eyes were closed. The audience was given blindfolds so that they could really absorb the music with only one sense, namely hearing. In addition, this concert also aims to raise public awareness of people with disabilities, create an inclusive ecosystem, and encourage listeners to go deeper into their auditory experiences.
This concert was first held in Kahayya, South Sulawesi, on December 5, 2024. Then it was held again at the GBK Softball Area, Jakarta, on February 8, 2025. I attended this second concert. And really, this experience changed my way of enjoying music.
I realized that Panji Sakti is not just a singer, he is a storyteller, also a philosopher in his lyrics and sessions. His words are full of metaphors and questions that keep me thinking. His songs don’t just talk about love, but also life, spirituality, even our relationship with God and fellow humans. In Islamic terms, it’s called “hablun min Allah wa hablun min annas” (Q.S. An Nisa: 36).
Read also: Dompet Dhuafa Ignites the Spirit of Sharing at the Semesta Festival Welcoming Ramadan 1446 H
When the concert started, we sat on the grass, eyes closed, only the sound and music guiding us. And in the middle of the concert, Panji asked, “Is it comfortable sitting on the grass? Have you ever thought that the grass we sit on complains? Have you asked permission from the grass, we want to sit on it? The grass will feel respected when we ask permission first before sitting or stepping on it.”
Those words slapped me. How often I live my life without really realizing it. Without really appreciating the little things around me. I felt like I was being pulled into a deeper reality, that every single thing in this world has a life, has a story, and deserves respect and appreciation.
Two Concerts You Should Experience in Your Lifetime
I haven’t had the chance to experience “Urup” yet, but from my friend’s story, I can imagine how strong the positive energy flowing from that concert was. Coupled with my personal experience at the “Blind Concert”, I’m even more convinced that concerts are not just about enjoying music, but also about experiencing something bigger, namely getting to know yourself, finding peace, and absorbing life in a deeper way.
If there are two concerts you should attend at least once in your life, those are the two. If not both, well, maybe, at least one of them. Because trust me, this experience will change the way you see your world, the way you understand and enjoy music, and perhaps, the way you understand yourself.
And for those of you who are curious about Blind Concert, the good news is that the next concert will be held in Yogyakarta on February 14, 2025. My advice, don’t miss this opportunity! This event is free of charge. For more info, you can check Panji Sakti’s Instagram account or DDTV.
Because sometimes, to really hear, we have to close our eyes. And to truly feel, we must open our hearts.
Long before the existence of concerts with the concept of self-reflection like the two above, Dompet Dhuafa has also seen music as a means to spread goodness. Through various concerts initiated, Dompet Dhuafa has collaborated with many Indonesian musicians to convey messages of kindness that can be felt by everyone. Of course, by reaching out to various levels of society.
With music, musicians not only entertain, but also flow positive energy that can move the hearts of many people to care more, be more grateful, and do more good. Music has become a powerful medium for Dompet Dhuafa to embrace and invite more people on a journey towards better change. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photo: Riza Muthohar
Editor: Dhika