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” – which has since gone YouTube-viral – 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, racking up over 39 million Spotify streams, with over 1 million listeners across a staggering 79 countries just in 2019.

Since then, the wunderkind has been honing his vocal prowess and sharpening his arsenal of instinctive song writing, leading to the next chapter in his musical journey with highly-anticipated album Wallflower – one he admits is about “discovering yourself through love”. Simmering synth-led lead single “Say I’m Sorry” sets the tone for the record, which undoubtedly marks some of his most truthful music to date.

In a move that will no doubt expand his global influence, Wallflower also features “M.I.A.”, a buzzy collaboration with Hong Kong-hailed multi- hyphenate Jackson Wang (of K-Pop boyband Got7). Born from a chance meeting after Afgan performed at V HEARTBEAT V Live Awards 2019 in Seoul, the collaboration will showcase a harmonious fusion of their crooning R&B vocals.

In the last three years, Afgan has sold out concerts in a multitude of Southeast Asian countries; performed at Korea’s Yuseong Hot Springs festival in front of a 30,000-strong audience as well as iconic Singapore festival Hyperplay alongside Nick Jonas; scooped an array of illustrious music awards, and even made international waves taking to the stage at a Sofar Sounds in San Francisco. There is no doubt about it, Afgan is poised for success, on the precipice of joining other Indonesian contemporaries who have broken the United States.