Past Events

It All Started in 2009

 

Syaharani

Syaharani and The Queenfireworks (SQF) performed in front of the Japanese and New Zealand Ambassadors for Indonesia at the 2010 Ambon Jazz Plus Festival (AJPF) music concert on the clove stage, Taman Budaya, Karang Panjang, Friday (8/10) night. Syaharani also briefly interacted with the two Ambassadors who were seen moving to the rhythm of the seven songs that she performed.

SQF, which carries the crossover genre, which is the melding of colorful rhythms of pop, soul, jazzy groove, rocknroll and blues, started their performance with pop songs from Maluku Beta Berlayar Jauh, which were changed to become more indie. The audience, who were initially scattered outside the performance area, immediately approached the stage to hear the music and the melodious voice of the singer Syaharani.

“We learned the song “Beta Berlayar Jauh” not long ago. Coincidentally one of the SQF singers, Jeffri Wattimena, who is from Maluku and only returned home for the first time, collected many songs from Ambon, so I am also familiar with Ambon songs,” said Syaharani.

The singer who appeared that night dressed in golden colored outfit expressed her gratitude to the Governor of Maluku for taking the time to watch her performance and the AJPF committee who invited her to come to Ambon.

“Ambon is really a beautiful city. We enjoy being here,” she said.

Event Premiere

Ambon Jazz Plus Festival 2011

Pria yang mengawali karirnya di kota Berlin, mengamen di Metro, dan bermain musik dari pub ke pub merupakan jawara lomba menyanyi di Jerman sebelum ia dikenal masyarakat Indonesia. Penampilan Sandhy di Ambon adalah kali pertama baginya tapi ia mengaku kalau kampungnya tak jauh-jauh amat dari Ambon, karena ia memiliki Kakek yang berasal dari Makassar ujarnya sambil terkekeh.

He started his carrier in Berlin as street musician in Metro; also playing his music hoping from club to club in Germany.  This his first appearance in Ambon; located not far from the place of his birth, Makassar , he said.

Event Premiere

Father & Son Debut

“Sebagai anak daerah beta (saya) bangga, kemana beta pergi selalu mempromosikan even Ambon Jazz kepada seluruh musisi, maupun para tamu di luar maupun dalam negari,” kata ayah dari musisi Barry Likumahuwa.

“As native Molucaan (I am) proud, anywhere I go I promote Ambon Jazz event to all musicians, even to local guests or from abroad,” said Benny Likumahuwa the father of Barry Likumahuwa.

United States Navy Rocked AJPF

Thousands of Ambon Jazz Plus Festival 2012 spectators welcome the appearance of the Orient Express band which is a member of the US Navy.

“I see you drive around town with the guy. I love you and I like forget you. I guess the change in my pocket isn’t enough. I like forget you and forget him too” So was the opening lyrics of “Forget you “from Cee lo Green begins, all the audience at Merdeka Square shouted hysterically.

Orient Express is not just any band. Nine personnel with white navy uniforms are members of the United States Navy. They came to Ambon using airforce aircraft flew directly flew from Japan.

This Orient Express appearance was almost canceled. Their arrival on Thursday, had experienced problems with immigration at Pattimura Airport; arriving without visa only provided with permit to land and perform at AJPF 2012 from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and TNI Headquarters.

“They did not bring visas because the names of the crew and band personnel have received an entry permit from the foreign minister and the TNI commander,” said Andy Manuhutu, Festival Director.

After going through tough negotiations, the immigration finally passed the Uncle Sam’s naval personnel after receiving a guarantee from the Mayor of Ambon, Richard Louhenapessy. Last year the US Navy actually planned to perform at the 2011 Ambon Jazz Festival. However, due to security reasons, the Indonesian Police Headquarters rejected the request.

However, the Orient Express paid it all with an awesome performance. Backed by four brass section, guitar, bass, keyboard, drums and an energetic lead vocalist, who occasionally get off the stage to greet the audience; adds to the excitement. In addition to performing the song “Forget You”, they also performed the cover songs “September” and “I Feel Good.”

Event Premiere

Featuring:
Benny Likumahuwa
Harry Anggoman
Doddie Latuharhary
Diana Papilaja
Mathew Sayerz
Andy Atis

The Natsepa Resort and Conference Centre, Ambon

Starting this year 2020, AJPF moved its location from the centre of the city to a bay beach area; “Baguala” beach on the property of the gorgeous Natsepa Resort and Conference Centre.