When Nasida Ria Meets AI: Religious Tradition Transforms in the Digital Multiverse World
The kasidah group from Semarang, Nasida Ria, has once again demonstrated its remarkable ability to adapt to modern times. Amidst the rapid development of artificial intelligence, this cross-generational religious music group has taken a progressive step by harnessing AI technology in their creative exploration through a collaboration with Google via the Google Gemini platform.
This collaboration represents a meeting of two distinct worlds: kasidah, which is closely tied to tradition and religious values, and AI technology, which is synonymous with innovation and the digital future. Yet from this convergence emerges a fresh creative approach that does not abandon their identity.
“Praise be to God, I’m really happy. Finally we can collaborate again with Google. And certainly this year will be more impressive than last year,” said Afuwah, a member of Nasida Ria, during a casual discussion session at the collaboration launch event.
For Nasida Ria, this partnership is not their first. However, the involvement of AI in the creative process still brings a new experience previously unimaginable. “Not really, because AI is new technology. Whereas our music has been like this from the start. Once AI came into the picture, it was extraordinary,” said Nazla, a member of Nasida Ria, describing her amazement at the transformation.
In this year’s project, the concept adopted is a multiverse presenting five different visual universes such as sci-fi, anime, e-drama, gaming, and art of war. Among these various concepts, Nasida Ria felt most connected to the science fiction theme. “In our view, the multiverse sci-fi theme best fits Nasida Ria’s character,” said Nazla.
Despite the futuristic theme, the sci-fi content presented is actually grounded in everyday reality. The visuals depict Ramadan approaching Eid al-Fitr, people preparing for mudik with suitcases and souvenirs, long journeys, and cars breaking down on the road. “That’s very likely to happen during mudik. So in our view, that’s what relates most to Nasida Ria,” Nazla explained.
This approach demonstrates that AI is not merely sophisticated visual effects, but rather a new medium for translating everyday stories into more imaginative formats. The kasidah tradition that has long been presented on stages and in audio now evolves into interactive digital visual realms.
Nazla also emphasised that the use of Gemini is not only for campaign needs, but genuinely assists in daily activities. “Please try using Gemini. Because Gemini can help with our daily lives, our daily work,” she said to media representatives.
According to her, Gemini’s strength lies in its ability to present answers not limited to text. “If we ask Gemini a question, the answer isn’t just text. But there are visuals, images, and videos. So we don’t need to think much about it.”
For a group that has created work since the analogue era, this convenience represents a significant leap. Creative ideas, visual designs, and inspiration for Ramadan content can now be explored more quickly and in greater variety.
From the technology partner’s perspective, the selection of Nasida Ria was not without reason. The group is considered to represent a cross-generational appeal that aligns with the spirit of inclusive technology without age limitations.
A Google representative in the same session stated that technology should be integrated into various ideas and creativity of the community, regardless of background or age. Indonesia itself is said to have high enthusiasm for AI-based visual features. The strong interest in audio-visual content makes this collaboration particularly relevant, especially during the Ramadan season which is synonymous with creativity in greeting cards, religious content, and digital expression.
Nasida Ria’s step in leveraging AI shows that tradition does not have to remain stagnant. Adaptation to technology actually expands the reach of the message they have carried for decades.
Amidst increasingly digitalised lifestyles, cross-generational and cross-technological collaboration becomes a necessity. Nasida Ria has chosen not only to preserve their heritage but also to explore new mediums.
From stage kasidah to the world of digital multiverse, this journey becomes a symbol that traditional identity can remain strong whilst remaining open to innovation. When tradition meets AI, what is created is not merely a fleeting trend, but a creative evolution relevant to our times.