Sezairi Feels Jakarta is Now Like Home

Singaporean musician Sezairi has revealed that his connection to Indonesia stems from a search for personal identity and family roots. Speaking at a special ‘Surrender Sessions’ live screening in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, on Friday (29 May), he explained that his grandparents originated from Pekalongan, Central Java.

‘I am a second-generation Singaporean; my grandparents are from Pekalongan,’ Sezairi said. However, limited information due to a difficult past left him unaware of his own history. ‘When I asked my grandparents, they never told me anything. I knew nothing about my history or where my family came from. They were struggling, and they did not want to talk about their hardships.’

This lack of historical knowledge drove the singer of ‘It’s You’ to explore further. For him, Indonesian fans have been crucial in rediscovering his lost identity. ‘Indonesian fans are vital to me because I learn about myself and my family through them,’ he said. ‘I have also learned a great deal about myself through this process.’

The strong bond and warm reception he consistently receives mean Sezairi no longer feels like a stranger when he visits Jakarta. ‘Every time I return to Jakarta, I feel like I am home. Because each time I come back, I see many faces I have seen before and witness so much love here for my music and for me,’ he concluded. (H-4)