The energy was electric on April 26, 2025, as CENTRAL MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT FESTIVAL 2025 made its thrilling stop at Zepp Kuala Lumpur. Fans from all over Malaysia gathered to experience an unforgettable night of music, culture, and connection, featuring Japan’s top acts ATARASHII GAKKO!, Creepy Nuts, Tatsuya Kitani, and Malaysia’s rising star, K.O.I.
Marking the grand finale of CENTRAL’s overseas tour after a sold-out show in Taipei, the Kuala Lumpur concert wasn’t just a night of performances. It was a vibrant celebration of creativity and shared passion, truly living up to CENTRAL’s mission of “Bringing the Sounds of Japan to the World.”
A Night of Unstoppable Performances
Opening the show was K.O.I, Malaysia’s own rising rapper, who energized the crowd with hits like “Meta Dermaga” and “Tiwikarma”, ending his electrifying set with “Niskala Suaka.” His magnetic performance set the perfect tone for the night.
Next up, Tatsuya Kitani took the stage by storm, opening with “Scar” from BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War. The crowd roared in excitement as he continued with heartfelt performances of “Rapport,” “Bakeneko,” “Zutto Issho!,” and “Where Our Blue Is” from Jujutsu Kaisen. His emotional connection with the audience was undeniable.
Then came the high-energy arrival of ATARASHII GAKKO!, whose playful school-uniformed entrance ignited the crowd. With fan favorites like “Omakase,” “OTONABLUE,” “Free Yourself,” and “Tokyo Calling,” the group had the entire venue dancing and shouting in unison. They wrapped up their set with their uplifting anthem “One Heart,” leaving fans filled with joy and unity.
Finally, world-famous hip-hop duo Creepy Nuts closed the night with a bang. DJ Matsunaga and R-Shitei had the aundience on their feet with “Yofukashino Uta,” “Dandadan,” and the worldwide hit “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born,” turning Zepp KL into a sea of moving bodies and resonating beats.
A Cultural Movement Beyond Music
The Kuala Lumpur stop was more than just a concert, it symbolized a growing wave of cultural exchange and artistic diplomacy through music. With Kuala Lumpur and Taipei shows both major successes, CENTRAL has proven that Japanese music resonates deeply with fans worldwide.
By bringing top Japanese performers to Malaysia, CENTRAL MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT FESTIVAL 2025 set a new benchmark for live international music events, promising more cross-cultural experiences in the future.
From Yokohama to Kuala Lumpur, CENTRAL is not just a festival, it’s a movement connecting the world through music.
