BRAGA Presents Full Album “Kembara Jiwa” After Five Years of Waiting
BOLTIM—After five years of creating music, BRAGA has finally released its first full album, “Kembara Jiwa.” This album answers fans’ longing following the release of the EP “Samudra Ingatan” in 2019 and several singles released between 2020 and 2023.
“At the end of December 2024, we proudly launched our first album, ‘Kembara Jiwa,’ which contains ten tracks,” said Vicky Mokoagow in an official statement in Modayag, Bolaang Mongondow Timur, Friday, December 27, 2024.
BRAGA, an Alternative Pop unit from Kotamobagu, North Sulawesi, consists of five talented members: Yedi Mamonto (vocals), Vicky Mokoagow (lead guitar/background vocals), Vicro Lamusu (keyboard/synth/background vocals), Christianto Bangol (bass), and Rian Mamonto (drums). The group has been on their musical journey since 2015.
Creative Process and Album Production
The “Kembara Jiwa” album began serious development in 2022. The initial stages involved selecting themes, creating melodies, structuring songs, and writing lyrics. Production started in January 2024 and took approximately 12 months to complete.
“The production process required extra effort due to various challenges, ranging from individual schedules to creative debates along the way,” explained Vicky.
The entire process, from writing to mixing and mastering, was independently handled by BRAGA members. Vicky wrote eight songs, while the song “Tolatan” is an adaptation of a Mongondow folk song by the late Idris Daapala. The track “Pulang yang Paling Pulang” was written by Boltim-based writer Tyo Mokoagow.
Recording took place in various locations due to limited facilities. Workshops were conducted at Vicro’s house, while lead guitar and drum recordings were done at Vicky’s home. Vocal and acoustic guitar recordings were done at a friend’s studio, while bass, synth-ambient, backing vocals, and mixing and mastering sessions were completed at Christianto’s home.
The Meaning and Story Behind “Kembara Jiwa”
This album contains ten tracks reflecting the dynamics of human emotions and concerns, particularly during the quarter-life crisis, a phase of uncertainty for those aged 18–30. Themes such as exploration, optimism, love, alienation, and returning home are beautifully portrayed in this album.
According to Vicky, “Kembara Jiwa” profoundly reflects the emotional journey experienced by BRAGA members. The album differs from the EP “Samudra Ingatan” (2019), which focused more on social and cultural issues.
“In the previous EP, we discussed external matters, while this album is very introspective. We voice what we experience, feel, and think. The simplicity and complexity of life are our main inspirations,” Vicky said during a discussion session at Sagol Coffee, Kotobangon, Kota Kotamobagu, Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
BRAGA’s musical style remains true to the Alternative Pop genre, incorporating acoustic touches and ethnic elements that create an intimate and contemplative atmosphere.
Release Schedule and Name Change
The “Kembara Jiwa” album will officially be released on Friday, December 27, 2024, at 00:00 WITA across all digital music platforms. Additionally, BRAGA is launching ten official lyric videos on their YouTube channel.
Along with the album release, BRAGA is also changing its name to BRAGA MGNDW. This name change aims to simplify searches on digital platforms.
“This new name reflects our identity as a band from Mongondow. The acronym MGNDW represents our cultural roots,” explained Yedi.
BRAGA MGNDW Contact Information
For further inquiries, please contact:
Email: [email protected]
Phone/WhatsApp: 0853 1180 6858
Instagram: @braga.mgndw
YouTube: BRAGA MGNDW
Spotify: Listen on Spotify