After 8 Years of Waiting, JKT48 Finally Releases Original Single

Kapanlagi.com - Since officially starting in December 2011, JKT48 has released a total of 21 singles for their fans. However, out of those 20 singles, all of them are cover songs from AKB48 that have been translated into Indonesian. The same goes for the choreography.

Now, after 8 years of waiting, JKT48 finally released their own original single titled Rapsodi, precisely on Wednesday (22/1) yesterday. This song was created by renowned composer Laleilmanino. Of course, this is great news for the members and all the staff of JKT48, as well as the fans.

"So today is the release of JKT48's original single. As you know, until now JKT48 has been performing songs from AKB48 and translating them into Indonesian, but the song Rapsodi was made by a musician from the homeland, which is a source of pride for us. Alhamdulillah we found a great composer who is loved by the youth today. When we found out that the composer is Laleilmanino, it was really cool, we were happy. And when the song was finished, not only me, but all the members were excited about this song," said Melody Nurramadhani, the General Manager of JKT48 Theater, when met in the Senayan area, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday (22/1).

1. Choreography Handled by Ari Tulang

Ari Tulang © KapanLagi/Djoko Poerwanto

Considering that Rhapsody is an original song by JKT48, the choreography also had to be determined from scratch. Therefore, JKT48 entrusted it to the talented choreographer from the homeland, Ari Tulang.

"We were also assisted by a legendary choreographer in Indonesia, Kak Ari Tulang. Until now, we have been assisted by choreographers from Japan, and this time we started the movements from scratch because it is our original song," continued Melody.

2. Been Requesting an Original Song for a Long Time

It is known that other sister groups of JKT48 in various countries already have their own original songs. Apparently, Melody and her team have also wanted their own song for a long time, although the idea only received approval from the management in 2020.

"Actually, we have been requesting it for a long time. Maybe in the first year, it wasn't possible because we didn't really understand what an idol group is like, but as time went by, we kept requesting it starting from the third year, fourth year, fifth year. We wanted it more because it turned out that other sister groups already have original songs. The fans were pressuring us. So, it was definitely pressure for us," Melody recalled.

"If it's an original single, it has to be an Indonesian song, and that definitely takes a long time. Maybe at that time, there were many considerations to think about. Until one day, the management announced it, finally giving permission. It means we were allowed to perform our own original song and the composer could be from our own country. So, maybe that was an important discussion, until they finally allowed it because maybe other sister groups also have original singles. Finally, this became the best gift for JKT48 in its 8th year," she concluded.

3. Shani JKT48 Becomes Center

JKT48 © KapanLagi/Djoko Poerwanto

For the song Rapsodi, Shani JKT48 is trusted as the center. Meanwhile, there are several other songs that are also included in the side B of the single Rapsodi, namely Menanti, Mimpi yang Hina, and Siapa yang Membuat Kita Berdua Bertemu. The music video itself was made at Tirtha Bridal, Uluwatu, Bali. Meanwhile, the wedding dresses worn by the JKT48 personnel are designed by Phangsanny Couture.

"This is a pride of JKT48 because we can finally have an original single after a long wait. As the new generation here, we continue the struggle of our predecessors, especially since I was chosen as the center for this song. It feels nerve-wracking and it's a new challenge for me, I don't want to waste this opportunity," said Shani JKT48.

(kpl/aal/gtr)