Patrick Burgess’s new single about an ‘ojek’ driver, ‘The King of Jakarta’ will be launched with a live performance of original songs at ‘Rights Night’ at the Star Kemang restaurant and music club, Jakarta on Saturday June 1, 2024. Doors open at 6pm, music from 7pm.  All proceeds from the night and future sales of the single will be donated to the human rights programs of Asia Justice and Rights (AJAR.)

The evening will commence with Usman Hamid and the Black Stones, followed by an acoustic set from Patrick Burgess, the launch of the single ‘The King of Jakarta’ and rocking ‘til closing time with the Jakarta legends of the Jaya Blues Band.

‘The King of Jakarta’ is a celebration of the richness and diversity of the city, told through the eyes of a motorcycle taxi driver, the “emperor of the alleys” who floats through the tiny lanes, backyards and gaps in the gridlocked traffic.

The new single will be available on Bandcamp 01.06.24! https://patburgess.bandcamp.com

 

A little over a year ago I was asked to deliver the keynote speech, along with Bangladesh’s Minister for Foreign Affairs at their national day of remembrance of the genocide that accompanied the birth of their county in 1971. As a human rights lawyer and singer-songwriter I was very pleased when they presented me with a copy of the original Concert for Bangladesh, the first major music event for a humanitarian cause, organized by George Harrison and Ravi Shankar, with Ringo Star, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton and others performing for free. The day after the speech I found myself jamming with locals in a small Bangladeshi music shop. Inspirational songs and a loud voice demanding justice…we need you now, more than ever.