Even among people in Japan who love Western music and regularly listen to artists from the U.S.
and various European countries—or those who are into K-pop—there may still be relatively few who are well-versed in Southeast Asian music.
In fact, among dedicated music fans, Southeast Asia is drawing attention as a hotbed across a range of genres, including pop, R&B, hip-hop, and indie rock.
In this article, we focus on the music scene of Indonesia, a leading nation in Southeast Asia, and have compiled a list of singers and rappers you should definitely check out—from rising stars making waves in recent years to legendary figures.
If the rise of 88rising has sparked your interest in Southeast Asian music, this is for you too!
- [2026] A roundup of recommended bands from Indonesia
- [Ones to Watch in 2026!] Recommended Female Singers & Recent Female Artists
- [2026] India’s Greatest Songs: Latest Hit Tracks & Timeless Classics [New and Old]
- [2026] Overview of Popular Filipino Artists and Singer-Songwriters
- Masterpieces by male artists known for their captivating high notes. Recommended popular songs.
- [2026] A roundup of recommended artists and singers from Vietnam [V-POP]
- [Songs I'd love women to sing!] Popular ballads performed by female artists
- [2026] Recommended Breakout Artists: A Roundup of Era-Defining Singers and Groups
- Recommended Brazilian artists: Popular international singers and singer-songwriters
- [2026] Popular Mexican Artists: A Recommended Singers Roundup
- For those of you who want to discover French singers and musicians: standout artists
- [2026] Australian Artists: Introducing Noteworthy Talents from Indie to R&B
- Popular R&B: Western Music Artist Rankings [2026]
[2026] A Curated List of Recommended Indonesian Artists (1–10)
Bunga HatiSalma Salsabil

Salma Salsabil is a powerhouse singer-songwriter from Indonesia who captivates audiences with her vocals while wearing the hijab.
She won Season 12 of Indonesian Idol in 2023, drawing attention as the show’s first female winner to wear a hijab.
Having learned guitar from a young age and majored in classical music, she released her debut single, “Menghargai Kata Rindu,” in May 2023.
Her follow-up track, “Bunga Hati,” became a major hit, reaching No.
1 on Indonesia’s music charts.
At the 2024 Anugerah Musik Indonesia Awards, she won Best Work and Best Female Pop Artist, and also took home Female Singer of the Year at the Indonesian Music Awards.
Centered on pop with emotionally rich lyrics and melodies—and enhanced by her expressive guitar performances—she’s a rising star perfect for those beginning to explore the Southeast Asian music scene.
Cinta Luar BiasaAndmesh Kamaleng

Andmesh Kamaleng, a singer from Indonesia who shot to stardom after winning Season 2 of the TV show “Rising Star Indonesia,” which aired from 2016 to 2017, captivates many listeners with a musical style rooted in pop and infused with soulful elements.
The tracks on his 2019 album “Cinta Luar Biasa” garnered major attention both within Indonesia and abroad.
Andmesh has won numerous awards, including at the Billboard Indonesia Music Awards and the AMI Awards.
His songs, themed around love, family, and the joys and sorrows of life, are perfect for music fans seeking something moving.
penjaga hatiNadhif Basalamah

Nadhif Basalamah is an Indonesian singer-songwriter who captures hearts with gentle melodies and profound lyrics.
Rooted in pop and acoustic, his music is simple yet deeply resonant.
His signature song “Penjaga Hati” has captivated many listeners with its warm sound and emotionally rich lyrics.
In December 2023, he held a collaborative event with After School Records, strengthening his bond with fans.
He actively shares his daily activities on Instagram and Threads, connecting with over 120,000 followers.
On stage, he performs with a full band, and his delicate vocals envelop the entire venue.
His music carefully portrays everyday moments and emotions, making it highly recommended for anyone seeking songs that stay close to the heart.
Satu BulanBernadya

Bernadya is a talented young singer-songwriter proudly representing Indonesia.
After signing with Juni Records in June 2022, she released her solo debut single “Apa Mungkin” in September, quickly gaining attention as a rising star in the Indonesian music scene.
In June 2023, she released the EP “Terlintas,” and its track “Satu Bulan” became a major hit, topping the Indonesian charts in September 2024.
In June 2024, she released the concept album “Sialnya, Hidup Harus Tetap Berjalan,” themed around heartbreak.
Following the album’s release, she embarked on a concert tour across four cities in Java and went on to win multiple honors at the AMI Awards that year, including Best Album.
With her clear, pristine vocals and emotionally rich lyrics, Bernadya delivers pop music infused with R&B elements—highly recommended for anyone starting to explore Southeast Asian music!
Rayuan Perempuan GilaNadin Amizah

Nadin Amizah, a young singer-songwriter from Indonesia, captivates many listeners with her poetic and emotionally rich music.
She debuted in 2016 after appearing on a television program and has since established a unique style that blends diverse genres such as folk, ballads, and indie pop.
Her debut album, Selamat Ulang Tahun, released in May 2020, focuses on her personal experiences and growth, cementing her place in the music scene.
Released in June 2023, Rayuan Perempuan Gila drew major attention, spending 12 consecutive weeks in Spotify’s Top 10.
With delicate melodies and profound lyrics, she is an artist highly recommended for those seeking emotionally resonant music.
I Love You 3000Stephanie Poetri

Stephanie Poetri, who has been close to music since childhood, is a talented singer-songwriter from Jakarta, Indonesia.
She began her music career in 2015 with a cover of “Bimbang” for the film Ada Apa Dengan Cinta? 2, and officially debuted in 2019 with “Appreciate.” Her 2019 hit “I Love You 3000,” inspired by the film Avengers: Endgame, topped Spotify’s Global Viral 50 chart for over four weeks.
This success earned her the “Best New Asian Artist – Indonesia” award at the 2019 Mnet Asian Music Awards.
After signing with 88rising, she also collaborated with Jackson Wang.
With her soothing acoustic sound and catchy melodies, she’s a talent recommended not only for Western pop listeners but also for K-pop fans.
Somebody’s PleasureAziz Hedra

Aziz Hedra is a talented singer-songwriter from Indonesia.
Centered around pop and R&B, he captivates listeners with soulful melodies and lyrics that resonate deeply.
He drew attention with his 2018 debut single “Lost,” and in 2023 achieved the remarkable feat of having “Somebody’s Pleasure” ranked in Apple Music’s Top 100 Songs of 2023: Indonesia.
In November 2023, his talent was further recognized when he won Best Soul/R&B Solo Artist at the prestigious AMI Awards in the Indonesian music scene.
His EP Lesson and album Lesson Learned showcase his musical growth and versatility.
With themes of love, loss, and self-growth, his songs are perfect for music fans who value nuanced emotional expression.


![[2026] Recommended Indonesian Artists Collection](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/cPj9r2ePJbE/maxresdefault.webp)
