Groove to the rhythm of the Royal Selangor Jazz Festival 2025

Jams and joy converged at the second edition of the Royal Selangor Jazz Festival, where a 13-hour long masterclass in musical power and soulful energy unfolded

TEXT MONISHA SIVANESAN
IMAGES COURTESY OF ROYAL SELANGOR

Following the resounding success of last year’s inaugural event, the Royal Selangor Jazz Festival returned this past Sunday, 10 August 2025 with a bang. Set against the distinctive backdrop of the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur which is an award-winning one-stop destination for tourists to explore Malaysian history, arts and culture (especially in relation to pewter craftsmanship), the all-day festival promised and delivered an even livelier celebration of rhythm, soul and spontaneous creativity.

From bold new names to returning favourites, a thrilling fusion of styles, soulful improvisations and genre-bending collaborations by 19 acts unfolded for 13 hours straight across 4 vibrant stages. Including soloists and bands, here are all the headliners who performed their hearts out that weekend: Junji Delfino, David Gomes, NAUNGAN, WVC Malaysian Jazz Ensemble, BonaHop, Boys That Swing, Tan Jin Weng Quartet, FAZZ, JSY, Az Samad, Ida Mariana, Kirana Kay, May Mow, Rizal Tony & Intan Shafinas, Tay Cher Siang, Pop N’ Bop, Urban Tribes, Jo-Lixian and The Julian Chan Quartet.

“We’re thrilled to bring back the Royal Selangor Jazz Festival for its second year. The overwhelming support we received last year from both musicians and audiences truly affirmed our belief in the power of music to connect communities. Hosting this festival allows us to continue championing the creative spirit and nurturing the next generation of jazz talent, many of whom have grown with us over the years. Jazz, like our craft, celebrates both tradition and innovation. We’re proud to be part of Malaysia’s vibrant jazz scene and look forward to seeing the festival grow as a space where music, culture and community come together,” expressed Royal Selangor’s Managing Director, Dato’ Yong Yoon Li.

In fact, HRH Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Binti Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj, graciously attended the event to also lend her support and enjoy the music.

The fun didn’t just end there though. Beyond the music, festival-goers engaged in various other activities at the centre which was transformed into a full-on jazz playground. Offering something for everyone to enjoy, there were live jam corners, rare vinyl booths, jazz film screenings, a kids’ play zone, instant photo booths, and jazz trivia with prizes up for grabs as well as festival-only deals and merch bundles. Naturally, a selection of food trucks and craft beverages was also made available to keep visitors fuelled for the entire day, which ultimately and undoubtedly ended on a high note.