The Gaia Music Festival (GMF) returned for its fifth edition on 14–15 August 2026. Bearing the theme Music for All, the festival reflected the belief that music is a shared space for everyone, transcending genres and backgrounds through a stellar line-up of musical acts.
Against the cool, serene backdrop of the Bandung valley, expertly crafted melodies filled the air as the Amphitheatre at The Gaia Hotel Bandung once again became the centre of attraction.
Over two days, guests and visitors were treated to a diverse musical programme that brought together different sounds, artists and audiences in an atmosphere of warmth and togetherness.
On the first day, 14 August, the festival opened with performances by RAN, Teddy Adhitya, Littlefingers and Keubitbit. Together, the acts set the tone for this year’s GMF, moving from intimate and soulful moments to more dynamic performances that encouraged audiences to sing along.
Teddy Adhitya brought a warm and personal presence to the main stage. Blending elements of pop, soul and R&B, his soulful sound complemented the intimate character of the festival. RAN, meanwhile, injected a more playful energy into the evening, creating a strong sense of togetherness among the audience. As one of Indonesia’s established pop groups, their performance added a lively dimension to the festival atmosphere.
Littlefingers and Keubitbit further enriched the first day with their distinctive musical styles. Their presence reflected one of GMF 2026’s defining strengths: rather than being confined to a single genre, the festival creates space for different musical expressions, allowing audiences to discover a broad range of sounds and experiences.
Beyond the main stage, GMF 2026 also featured the Endless Stage, an alternative performance space designed to create a more relaxed and interactive connection between musicians and audiences. Located in the Endless Stairs area, the stage was surrounded by The Gaia Hotel Bandung’s lush natural landscape, offering music in a setting that felt distinctly connected to its surroundings.
The Endless Stairs themselves form an approximately 261-step walkway through the hotel’s green hills, passing a koi pond and continuing towards the area near the pool waterfall. Bass G feat. Song Brothers performed on the Endless Stage across both days, combining live music with the more intimate experience of being immersed in the hotel’s natural setting.
On the second day, 15 August, GMF continued with performances by Karimata feat. Tiara Effendy, Adikara, GIGI Jazz Project and Love Is on the main stage, while Bass G feat. Song Brothers returned to the Endless Stage.
The day brought another selection of musical styles while maintaining the festival’s overarching spirit of openness and diversity. Among the highlights was the collaboration between Karimata and Tiara Effendy, which brought together the seasoned musicianship of Karimata, a pivotal name in Indonesia’s jazz and fusion history, with Tiara Effendy’s distinctive vocal style.
GIGI Jazz Project offered a jazz-infused exploration, while Love Is added a more dynamic dimension to the programme. Together, the performances moved across jazz, fusion and pop, giving audiences plenty of opportunities to discover new sounds and find their own favourites.
Having performed on the opening day, Bass G feat. Song Brothers continued their run on the Endless Stage for a second consecutive day. The alternative setting offered a more intimate way of experiencing live music, allowing audiences to enjoy the performances while taking in the natural surroundings.
Gaia Music Festival 2026 once again demonstrated how music can bring together different sounds, people and experiences. Against the natural backdrop of Bandung, Music for All became more than a festival theme. It was reflected in the diversity of the programme and in the freedom given to every audience member to experience the music in their own way.
The Gaia Hotel Bandung
Jalan Setiabudi No. 430
Bandung, West Java 40143
T: +62 811 2002 2914
thegaiabandung.com
