25-05-2025
GenKRU: A love letter for fans who grew up with them
For the past two consecutive weekends, it felt like the peak of Malay pop culture re-entered our lives and wrapped itself around our collective memory like a well-worn denim jacket from the 90s. Faded, but never out of style.
It was because KRU staged a four-night spectacle that turned into a cultural exhale. The trio brothers - Norman, Yusry and Edry gave it their all with amazing showmanship and moments of raw, unfiltered emotions that struck deeper than any beat drop.
Now if there's one thing we all live for (consciously or not) it's the chance to relive simpler times. For millennials and Gen Xers, the GenKRU 2025 concert was our chance to do just that. It was equivalent of opening a long-time capsule.
Like many 90s kids, our cultural compass didn't point to TikTok. For me, I listened to KRU because my older siblings listened to KRU. It was a secondhand discovery, but one that stayed with me into my adult years.
It's only now that I realise how they were in every sense, ahead of their time as artists because decades later, their songs still resonate. They weren't just any boyband built for bubblegum, they were architects of their own sound.
'Malam ini kita menjadi remaja selamanya,' said Edry on stage. It was great seeing fellow millennials and Gen Xers just let go and immerse themselves in the music. For a few hours, we all forgot about adulting, school runs, deadlines and just enjoyed the moment.
But it would've been extra cool if my siblings were there dancing with me too.
I noticed how the little details were tailored perfectly to the generations in the audience. The seated setup was a thoughtful move especially considering, you know, that backaches tend to creep in once you hit your 30s. It was like they knew we'd want to sing and dance, but maybe not for three hours straight without a little support.
KRU wasn't just any boyband built for bubblegum, they were architects of their own sound. - Photo: Bangswan Pictures
Then there were the lyrics, projected on the screen for every song. It felt like a subtle nod to the fact that, yes, we might need a little refresher on some of those iconic tunes.
Later, at the press conference after the third night of the concert, the trio reflected on how the energy was particularly electric that night (have to say I patted myself on the back for contributing to that).
The setlist - made up of songs like The Way We Jam, Fanatik, Awas, Jangan Lafazkan, Apa Saja, Terhangat Di Pasaran and more - were expertly curated, giving fans both the nostalgia they craved and unexpected thrills.
But what made GenKRU special wasn't just the playlist, it was their presence. The brothers looked seasoned, yes, but never out of touch.
The choreography was tight, the banter was natural and the vocals were still sharp.
In a live music landscape increasingly dominated by international acts and digital flash-in-the-pans, GenKRU was a reminder that Malaysia has its own legends. - Photo: Bangsawan Pictures
One of the most memorable moments of the concert was when the brothers dedicated a song to their parents for Mother's Day called Penjunjung Namaku.
It was a genuine, touching moment to see three grown men, standing in front of a packed Axiata Arena, be vulnerable with their emotions without a second thought.
You could feel how grounded they are in love and respect for their parents.
'After 33 years of watching us perform, we want to cherish every moment and give them the memories that we performed for them,' said Edry during the press conference.
For fans, KRU's legacy isn't just about memory. This concert reminded us just how much they've contributed outside the spotlight too as producers, storytellers, filmmakers and composers.
In the end, GenKRU wasn't about reviving the past. It was about showing us how much of it still lives in us.
