MALIQ & D’Essentials have officially released their tenth album, Kabar Gembira, in collaboration with Sony Music Entertainment Indonesia.
The nine-track album is now available on all major music streaming platforms.
Its release follows an exhibition that gave visitors the opportunity to experience the album’s material for more than two weeks
The album features nine songs, including the previously released single “Arah Labuh,” which arrived on October 20, 2026.
“Life Is Madness” serves as the focus track, while the remaining songs include “Tumbuh,” “Kabar Gembira,” “Penasaran” featuring Rhoma Irama, “Nyali” featuring Bilal Indrajaya, “Pigura” featuring Perunggu, “Buku Gambar,” and “Lucu Juga Ya.”
Interestingly, “Arah Labuh” was the final song written for the album.
Widi Puradiredja explained that the track was created spontaneously when the band members reunited and started playing guitar.
At that point, the rest of the album was already complete.
The song eventually became a reflection of MALIQ’s long journey.
It explores gratitude, the motivation to keep moving forward, and the importance of staying together through unpredictable moments in life.
Meanwhile, “Life Is Madness” explores the unexpected situations that have become part of everyday life.
Through this track, MALIQ also reflects on how technological developments and digitalization can make people increasingly dependent on shortcuts.
Widi believes that trusting one’s abilities and remaining willing to learn are still essential, including for artists navigating technological advances.
The new album also gives MALIQ fresh energy to pursue further growth, both individually and as a band.
Angga Puradiredja described the album as an opportunity to look back on their journey while opening the door to new possibilities.
For Angga, the release represents a starting point toward something better, further, and greater.
Although the band members are no longer young, he believes they can still accomplish many things they might not have expected at this stage of their lives.
MALIQ & D’Essentials Expand the Album Experience Through an Exhibition
That spirit of exploration also inspired the band to present the Kabar Gembira Exhibition alongside the album launch.
Widi sees music as the starting point for audiences to discover the band’s development.
The exhibition also highlights the activities and creative ecosystem that have grown around MALIQ.
Through the exhibition, MALIQ wanted to present a more complete picture of its creative work.
While music remains the main focus, the band also hopes to introduce audiences to other projects and creative activities that form part of its identity.
The album’s musical exploration also comes through collaborations with artists from different backgrounds.
Rhoma Irama, Bilal Indrajaya, and Perunggu each bring their own experiences and musical approaches to the record.
The collaboration between Rhoma Irama and MALIQ began with an exchange of songs when they met at Pestapora.
MALIQ performed a Soneta song, while Rhoma took the opportunity to explore MALIQ’s music.
Their exchange later developed into rehearsal sessions that strengthened their connection.
Rhoma described the collaboration as an honour, particularly because MALIQ chose to reinterpret one of his songs.
He also praised the band’s arrangement and musical production, which gave him room to contribute vocals and guitar.
The result brings together the musical identities of MALIQ and Soneta.
Read more: MALIQ & D’Essentials Set Sail With ‘Arah Labuh’
Bilal Indrajaya and Perunggu Join the Album Collaborations
Bilal Indrajaya had a different experience while working on “Nyali.”
He revealed that he had no idea his visit to Mad Haus in late 2025 would lead to a collaboration with MALIQ.
Bilal described the experience as memorable and rewarding, especially because of the song’s emotional depth.
He highlighted the lyric about facing defeat without losing courage, which resonated strongly with him.
He also believes “Nyali” has the potential to become a favourite among listeners and considers it one of MALIQ’s strongest compositions.
Meanwhile, Perunggu’s involvement in “Pigura” began with a visit to Mad Haus.
The band members wanted to discuss with Widi Puradiredja how to build a healthy and professional business structure around their music career.
At the time, Maul Ibrahim, Adam Adenan, and Ildo Hasman were preparing to pursue music as full-time musicians.
They regarded MALIQ as one of their role models, particularly for its ability to operate as a band while maintaining a professional working system.
During the meeting, Widi mentioned that MALIQ was working on a new album and invited Perunggu to take part.
The invitation eventually led to another session at Mad Haus, where members of both bands worked on a song together.
According to Perunggu vocalist Maul Ibrahim, “Pigura” was originally written during the production of MALIQ’s Musik Pop album.
However, the track was never released.
MALIQ gave Perunggu room to contribute through adjustments to the lyrics, melody, and vocal sections without removing the band’s original musical identity.
Maul explained that the song was already strong, so they focused on adding their own touches, particularly through the lyrics and vocals.
The production process unfolded spontaneously. Adam recorded the bass parts, while Ildo later added the drums in the studio.
Maul worked on the lyrics during his journey home and sent an early draft to Widi for discussion.
He then returned to the studio to record his vocals and discuss the vocal arrangements with Angga and Indah.
Together, they refined the song and determined how the different vocal parts would fit into the final version.
For Perunggu, the opportunity became both an important experience and a proud achievement.
As longtime listeners of MALIQ, they not only joined the production of Kabar Gembira but also witnessed the creative process of a band they had long admired.
Maul also appreciated MALIQ’s openness to their suggestions, which covered lyrics, vocal melodies, and arrangements.
The involvement of these collaborators added new perspectives to the creative process and expanded MALIQ’s musical possibilities.
MALIQ & D’Essentials Embrace Collaboration for Further Growth
Indah explained that after such a long journey, MALIQ has become increasingly aware of how other people contribute to the development of its music.
She emphasized that this does not mean the band considers itself fully accomplished.
Instead, its members have become more confident and united in understanding what they need.
Their journey has been shaped by the influence of many people, from senior musicians to younger artists, both directly and indirectly.
For MALIQ, collaboration has therefore become an important part of its continued growth.
This approach also forms the foundation of the band’s partnership with Sony Music Entertainment Indonesia.
Ilman said both parties share the same enthusiasm for growth and creative exploration beyond music.
While music remains their strongest tool, he believes there are many other opportunities they can pursue together.
He hopes the partnership will benefit both sides, allowing MALIQ to create stronger work while giving Sony projects to be proud of.
Keke Kananta, Head of A&R at Sony Music Entertainment Indonesia, also sees MALIQ & D’Essentials as the right partner for developing future creative and business opportunities.
She highlighted the band’s strong musical identity and ability to remain relevant across generations.
Future projects could include collaborations with artists from other regions and efforts to reach new audiences.
The band also sees opportunities beyond music through brand partnerships and other creative ventures.
Through Kabar Gembira, MALIQ & D’Essentials continue to expand their musical and creative horizons while keeping music at the centre of their artistic journey.
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