Malaysia celebrates the music of South-East Asia as 'KL Street Jam' kicks off in style at the city centre

The Star

11 hours ago

The KL Street Jam 2025 kicked off with many Malaysians and tourists joining in the patriotic fervor at KL's Laman Jejak Pahlawan, Bulatan Dato' Onn on Saturday (Aug 2), in a special edition event in conjunction with Malaysia's 68th National Day celebration.
Carrying the theme 'Merdeka Street Vibes,' this marks the first edition of the year and is produced by the Department of Culture, Arts, Tourism, and Sports (CATS) under the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
Since its inception in 2013, KL Street Jam has become an open platform uniting hundreds of Malaysian artists—featuring both established names and those making comebacks in the local entertainment scene.
This year's edition makes history as it debuts at a new venue — Laman Jejak Pahlawan, a public space within the Kuala Lumpur Heritage Corridor that is increasingly becoming a favourite destination for city dwellers and tourists alike.
The vibrant evening showcased high-energy performances from a stellar lineup of artists.
Haiza captivated the audience with songs like "Dag Dig Dug 3.0, Tanah Pusaka, and Penasaran". Maman (from Teachers' Pet) made an emotional return to the stage following the passing of his beloved wife, delivering heartfelt renditions of "Kasih Ku Pinjam Wajahmu, Cinta Kita, and Warisan Wanita Terakhir".
Rock band Dr. Kronik lit up the stage with electrifying numbers such as "Hidup Hidup Dibakar, Zero to Hero, and Fanatik".
The programme opened with a patriotic dance performance to Jalur Gemilang and Madani Jiwa Merdeka by DBKL Cultural Artists, accompanied by the DBKL Cultural Combo led by Tg Zainuddin. The charismatic host further enlivened the atmosphere, Nadia Hasnan, who engaged warmly with the audience throughout the evening.
More than just a musical showcase, this event forms part of the strategic initiative WARISAN KL and the River of Life (ROL) project — both aimed at preserving heritage, activating public spaces, and shaping a distinctive urban cultural identity.
DBKL envisions Laman Jejak Pahlawan as a permanent hub for community arts, cultural programs, and performances by institutions such as ASWARA, Universiti Malaya, UiTM, and various cultural NGOs.
Strategically located, the venue is highly accessible from multiple directions via three main routes:
1. Route from Medan Selera D'Tebing (Jalan Raja)
Visitors coming from Dataran Merdeka or Medan Pasar can take a scenic riverside walkway near Medan Selera D'Tebing. This path leads directly to a pedestrian tunnel that connects seamlessly to the Laman Jejak Pahlawan area. The walkway is peaceful and well-lit, adorned with artistic murals that add charm and vibrancy along the route.
2. Route from Jalan Sultan Salahuddin
Ideal for visitors arriving from HQ Bank Rakyat or Sekolah Kebangsaan Sultan Hisamuddin Alam Shah, this dedicated pedestrian path leads directly into the landscaped grounds of Laman Jejak Pahlawan. It is especially suitable for families and tourists using nearby public transportation such as buses and MRT.
3. Route from Jalan Tun Perak (beside DBKL Building 1)
Those coming from the city centre, especially via Masjid Jamek LRT Station, can walk along the side of the DBKL Building to access the Jejak Pahlawan corridor. This is one of the most convenient routes for those relying on public transport.
Beyond music and cultural performances, the event was enriched by community participation and local vendors. Pushcart stalls offered light snacks and beverages, while nearby areas like D'Tebing saw increased footfall, contributing to the local economy and enhancing the festive atmosphere.
The Merdeka edition of KL Street Jam 2025 is not merely an entertainment event — it is a celebration of local artistry and national pride.
The next installment is scheduled for 23 August 2025, at 8:30 PM, at the same venue — promising another exciting night featuring an equally impressive lineup of performers.