Bingkai Karya– On following up the release of his “Sonder” EP, Indonesian R&B musician Afgan released a gorgeous music video for “Criminal (Over You)” with Vietnamese American R&B star thủy. Afgan, noted for his deep voice and storytelling, leads listeners through the pain of losing love, showing his and thủy’s vocal harmony.
Letting someone down and losing a relationship is regretted in the song video. Dark, sad scenes in an abandoned factory in Indonesia and Los Angeles depict the song’s distance and disconnect. “Thuy is amazing—she elevates the song at the last minute. I was stunned when I heard it. Her voice complements the tune well, and I’m glad she collaborated.”
“With my longtime collaborator and director, who directed my recent music videos, we created a mysterious world that represents my artistic vision. We filmed independently to represent a breakup. Projecting Thuy’s image on a monitor highlights the emotional distance between our lovers in the song,” explains Afgan.
“After hearing the song, I agreed to work with Afgan’s crew because I’m a fan! I styled the creative once his team received it and love how it ended out and how well we worked together. Those in a toxic relationship may find the lyrics appropriate. The song’s music and writing make it a good fit for me, “ thuy says.
“Criminal (Over You)” by Afgan. The Official Video
Afgan’s most personal album is London-recorded ‘Sonder’. As an artist since 18, Afgan has become a household name in Indonesia. “I’ve grown and experienced so much,” Afgan remarked.
“Back then, I didn’t choose my music. Market and expectations ruled me. I was too scared to speak. Over time, I’ve gained the courage to attempt new sounds and let others know me. I want to paint more honestly. Being in a box is comfortable for everyone, but I don’t want to stay there forever. Leaning this way and evolving.”
His ‘Sonder’ storylines include duets with two groundbreaking female Asian acts: “Criminal (Over You)” with thủy and “Escape” with K-pop icon Jessi. His lyrics fearlessly stray from his immaculate image as his nation’s sweetheart, making his audience feel more relatable.
Afgan has transformed Indonesian music globally with his powerful vocals, passionate composition, and R&B sensibility. Over his career, he has approximately 20 million social media followers and hundreds of millions of music streams.
‘Wallflower’, his 2021 English album and global debut, showcased his influence and opened new possibilities for the Jakarta-based superstar. The album’s top singles—“M.I.A” featuring Jackson Wang, “Touch Me” (Robin Thicke remix), “Say I’m Sorry”, and “If I Don’t Have Your Love”—have over 40 million streams Afgan is revolutionizing as a global celebrity.
