International DJ and music producer Diplo has shared his appreciation for a koplo music performance by DJ Habib Gunjat, a keyboardist from Southeast Sulawesi, following their collaboration at an event in Bali on Thursday, 8 October.
Diplo, whose real name is Thomas Wesley Pentz, shared videos of the performance on his social media accounts, showing him watching Habib play the keyboard before joining him for an impromptu musical session.
In one video, Diplo appears focused on Habib’s performance as the Indonesian DJ blends electronic music with the energetic rhythms associated with koplo.
“That was the best after-party I’ve ever been to,” Diplo wrote on Instagram.
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In another video, Diplo tries playing the keyboard under Habib’s guidance. The pair then combine Diplo’s electronic music presets with Habib’s distinctive sound, bringing together electronic dance music and Indonesian regional influences.
“The music at the Bali Run Club was absolutely insane,” the American DJ said in a video.
Diplo also suggested taking the collaboration further, writing: “Diplo + Koplo + @alundbutuuni_sound—should we throw a bigger event?”
The posts attracted comments from other well-known musicians, including American rapper Wiz Khalifa, who expressed interest in experiencing the music himself.
“I want to go there too,” Wiz Khalifa wrote in the comments on Diplo’s post.
Collaboration at Bali Running Event
Habib Gunjat, whose full name is Muhammad Habib Sonywora, performed alongside Diplo at the Runhood Running Club event at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali, on Thursday, 8 October.
Habib is a keyboardist from Muna Regency, Southeast Sulawesi. His performance incorporated electronic music with regional sounds, including music associated with the lulo dance, a traditional dance closely linked to the cultural identity of Southeast Sulawesi.
The collaboration offered a combination of contemporary electronic sounds and local musical elements, with Habib bringing his regional influences into the set.
According to Alun, the owner of Alun Butuuni Sound and Habib’s manager, the opportunity came through the sound production business he operates. The organisers hired Alun Butuuni Sound to provide sound production services for the event, which enabled Habib to perform alongside the internationally recognised DJ.
“Our services were engaged through Alun Butuuni Sound, and Habib had the opportunity to collaborate with DJ Diplo,” Alun told Kendariinfo on Saturday, 10 October.
Traditional Sounds Meet Electronic Music
Alun said the performance was not restricted to a particular genre, allowing both DJs to explore different sounds while incorporating elements of Southeast Sulawesi’s musical traditions.
Rather than following a fixed musical arrangement, the two performers played freely and focused on enjoying the session together. Habib continued to incorporate the region’s signature sounds, including music associated with the lulo dance.
“As for the music, it was free-flowing and all about enjoying the performance. However, we still showcased the region’s signature music—specifically, lulo music,” he said.
Diplo’s social media posts brought attention to the collaboration, introducing his international audience to Habib’s performance and the regional musical influences behind it.
