Malaysian singer-songwriter RYOTA Katayama Ryota, along with Taiwan Golden Melody Award "Best Singing Group" Crispy Band, performed together on the same stage in Malaysia for the first time. As they took turns to perform, they surprised the audience by guest-singing each other's songs. The Crispy Band even on the spot asked Ryota Katayama to teach them Malay, learning "Jumpa Nanti" and humorously using it to exit the stage, bringing bursts of laughter from the audience.
The concert "We Are Not Alone: Crispy Band x RYOTA Katayama Ryota" took place on Friday night at PJPAC Nero Event Space in Petaling Jaya. Ryota Katayama was the first to take the stage, starting with "Marathon" and performing several pieces. He mentioned that his second album "What am I to you?" was released six months ago. "I'm very happy to finally meet everyone in person through live performances," he reminisced. "My first album was released during the pandemic when everyone was wearing masks and sitting quietly. Tonight, being able to gather closely together is truly exciting for me." Usually not very talkative, Ryota tried to "transform" into a chatty performer that night: "Those who know me know I don't like to talk, but today I must speak more, or my team will be disappointed." He shared his feelings, saying, "I really like tonight's theme — we are not alone. Whether you came alone or with friends, being able to gather through music is a magical and sacred thing."
When Ryota Katayama sang the chorus of "I Always Thought I Was Alone," Crispy Band made a surprise appearance, singing together and climaxing the evening. Crispy Band even asked Ryota for the Malay term for "see you later," learning "Jumpa Nanti" on the spot, and playfully using it to exit, amusing the audience. Before performing the last song "Belonging," Ryota emotionally confessed, "To me, belonging isn't the most important. Bringing everyone together through music, you are my sense of belonging."
Consisting of Skippy (Lu Yi-an) and Ding Ding (Ding Lüwen), Crispy Band returned to Malaysia for the first time in seven years since 2018. After performing "Round and Round," they greeted the audience with "Apa khabar," with Skippy exclaiming excitedly, "It's so nice to finally see everyone again!" During the performance of "The Young Us Forever Reckless," the audience sang along loudly, moving both members, with Ding Ding exclaiming, "Amazing! You guys sang so loud!" Skippy emotionally responded, "To be this far from Taiwan, singing together with you is the highest honor for creators. Thank you all!"