What began as a stage for music and dance has now become a movement. First born at B5 Johor Street Market in 2024, Pentas Seni Johor was officially launched by Yang Berhormat Tuan Raven Kumar a/l Krishnasamy, Exco of Unity, Heritage, and Culture of Johor. From that humble beginning, it has grown rapidly, and in 2025 Pentas Seni Johor, driven by Yayasan JCorp, has transformed into a year-long cultural celebration — bringing thousands together, reviving traditions, and proving that the arts do not just entertain, they empower.
Battle of the Buskers
The year kicked off with electrifying energy at the Battle of the Buskers on 9 February 2025 at B5 Johor Street Market. Six local music groups poured their hearts into every note, battling not just for the crown but for recognition in Johor’s thriving arts scene.
In the end, City Eramakustik took home the RM2,000 prize, with Edmire Acoustic and Artistic claiming second and third place. But the true victory was Johor’s music culture. The competition gave young talents a real platform to shine, connect with audiences, and earn from their craft.
Adding a twist of creativity, the event also hosted an Upcycled Artisan Market and an Artchemy Workshop, where artists transformed used materials into works of art. It was not just about music. It was about sustainability, innovation, and the power of community-driven expression.
Concert Community
The momentum continued on 21 June 2025 with Concert Community, where over 1,000 spectators gathered at B5 Johor Street Market.
The night was alive with underground and local bands such as Teman Lelaki, Empty Page, Kicau Bilau, Keroncong Malam Jumaat, Banyak Bunyi Republik and Plaque of The Happiness.
For many, it was more than a concert. It was a night of connection, where music lovers cheered shoulder to shoulder and local musicians found a stage that celebrated their raw, unfiltered artistry.
Paso Rakyat
From 27 to 29 June 2025, Pentas Seni Johor levelled up with Paso Rakyat at KotaJail Johor Bahru, co-hosted with Johor Bahru City Council.
Over 20,000 visitors flooded the historic site, experiencing a bold mix of heritage, modern expression and community spirit.
The highlight, Malam Gembira Rakyat Jelata, featured seven Johorean bands including Ramayan, Lasso, Shahrin & The Geng, B&D Acoustic, Akar Kayu, MRIP, and Arep JAWA. Each performance brought the crowd to life, turning the night into a celebration of Johor’s musical heartbeat.
The festival was not only about sound but also sight, taste and craft. Traditional performances such as Zapin, Kompang Asik and Gemalai Tari kept heritage alive, while 15 artisans and 20 food vendors turned KotaJail into a buzzing cultural marketplace. The result was RM83,000 in sales, proving how culture can fuel community economies.
RIMBA FEST 2025
In July 2025, Pentas Seni Johor partnered with Coaction Event to bring RIMBA FEST 2025 to life at Sireh Park, Iskandar Puteri.
Titled “Where Arts Meet Nature”, the festival embraced cultural diversity in the lush outdoors, blending tradition with sustainability. Visitors were treated to Chinese, Indian and Malay performances, alongside an elegant showcase of Kain Benang Johor, an iconic Johorean textile.
Meanwhile, Henna and Terrarium workshops gave participants hands-on experiences that were as creative as they were sustainable.
Keretapi Sarong 2.0 x Pentas Seni Johor
The year’s journey culminated with Keretapi Sarong Johor x Pentas Seni Johor, a Malaysia Day celebration like no other. On 13 September 2025, more than 5,000 participants boarded a special train from JB Sentral to Kluang, filling the journey with buskers, traditional dances and sing-alongs.
Upon arrival, the streets came alive with colours, music and unity. From Zapin to lion dance, Indian classical to indigenous performances, the event became a living picture of Malaysia’s multicultural spirit.
The celebration did not stop at the stage. Workshops in wau-making, terrarium crafting and traditional games brought families together, while performances by artists such as Aishah Retno, Noh Salleh, Keyin, and Juno & Hana electrified the night.
More Than Festivals — A Cultural Movement
Pentas Seni Johor engaged over 40,000 visitors, empowered local musicians and artisans, and injected real income into community economies.
More than festivals or shows, these events became movements. They reconnected Johoreans with their roots, sparked creativity and built a vibrant, inclusive future where culture is the heartbeat of progress.
Looking ahead, Yayasan JCorp is committed to expanding Pentas Seni Johor with even more diverse programmes and platforms. The mission is clear: to keep arts alive, to make culture accessible for all, and to ensure Johor’s creative heartbeat grows stronger with every passing year.
