Brian McKnight’s concert in Jakarta is just days away. Excitement continues to build, especially after the announcement that Dira Sugandi will once again take the stage as the opening act for the R&B legend on Friday, January 16, 2026.
The opportunity is one Dira certainly doesn’t take lightly. The soulful singer shared her happiness at being chosen again, especially since Brian McKnight’s music has been a significant part of her life since her teenage years.
Interestingly, Dira’s admiration for Brian dates back to her junior high school days, when she listened to his songs on cassette tapes. Among his many hits, “One Last Cry” holds a special place in her heart.
“When it comes to dreams, I feel that God has been incredibly kind to me. Since I was young—since junior high school—I’ve been listening to Brian McKnight’s albums. I had his cassette in my first year of junior high and played it over and over until I memorized both side A and side B. Especially ‘One Last Cry,’ it accompanied me through my gloomy days. That song is incredibly beautiful,” Dira said during the Brian McKnight concert press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
This won’t be Dira’s first time sharing the stage with Brian McKnight. In 2017, she joined his tour, followed by a special duet performance with him in 2023. Now, the meaningful collaboration continues.
“In 2017, I finally had the chance to tour with Brian, and in 2023 I was given the opportunity to duet with him. Today, I’m back, meeting him again after quite some time. God willing, this Friday I will be Brian’s opening act. I’m extremely grateful and happy,” she shared.
Aware of how special this moment is, Dira plans to deliver something different for her opening performance. She intends to perform songs she doesn’t usually sing on stage, while still ensuring they resonate with and can be enjoyed by the audience.
“Maybe I’ll perform songs that I don’t usually sing. I believe Brian’s audience is probably around my age, so I want to perform songs that everyone can enjoy that night,” she concluded.
Brian McKnight’s concert, titled “An Evening Night with Brian McKnight,” will take place on January 16, 2026, at Balai Sarbini, Jakarta. Have you secured your tickets yet?
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