Maliq & d'Essentials

The Indonesian ensemble Maliq & D'Essentials took its name from an acronym for Music and Live Instrument Quality rather than from any actual frontman. One of the first R&B outfits to form in the country, the group was established by Angga Widi, who contributed production, composition, and songwriting, together with Indra, who served as both producer and manager. Its lineup consisted of vocalists Indah and Dimi, guitarist Satrio, pianist and keyboardist Iva, bassist Jawa, and drummer Amar.

After several years playing clubs and bars while exposing local audiences to soul music, the band obtained a recording contract and issued its debut album, 1st, in 2005. A special expanded edition of that record appeared the following year. Early 2007 brought the release of the group’s second album, Free Your Mind.