Some artists spend years figuring out who they are. With her latest single, Indonesian-American R&B artist Almira Zakysounds like she already knows. Released on May 29, “Match My Energy” arrives as a confident declaration from an artist whose career has steadily expanded from the DMV to Los Angeles, from national television to international stages. Built around acoustic guitar, polished R&B production, and the sleek energy of early-2000s pop, the track channels the spirit of artists like Aaliyah, JoJo, and Destiny’s Child while carving out a voice distinctly her own.
The song centers on self-worth and alignment. Rather than chasing validation, Almira sings about finding a relationship that rises to meet her ambition, confidence, and sense of self. The result is playful, direct, and self-assured—a reflection of an artist stepping fully into a new chapter.
“‘Match My Energy’ is about meeting a love that finally feels aligned—someone who shines in their own way and is ready to rise with you,” said Almira Zaky. “I’m done shrinking myself or settling for less. This is the most grown, confident, and divine version of me that listeners have heard yet.”
From the DMV to Global Stages
While “Match My Energy” signals a new creative direction, Almira’s rise has been years in the making.
Born to Indonesian roots and raised in Virginia’s DMV region before relocating to Los Angeles, Almira has built a career around connecting cultures through music. Her songs often explore identity, resilience, love, and personal growth while bringing Southeast Asian representation into spaces where those voices have historically been underrepresented.
Many listeners first discovered her during NBC’s American Song Contest in 2022, where her performance generated more than half a million views in a matter of days. Since then, her resume has continued to expand.
She delivered a TEDx Talk at Johns Hopkins University, made her festival debut at Something in the Water, headlined the Miss Universe Indonesia 2024 Gala Dinner in Jakarta, and appeared during Kai Cenat’s Mafiathon event. Most recently, she performed during the debut of HERON THURSDAYS at ANDYS in West Hollywood, a new live music series created to spotlight Asian creatives, musicians, artists, and DJs during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Sharing the stage with Korean-American R&B artist Justin Park, Cash Money Records artist Caitlin Byk, and performer Ray Champion, Almira brought her commanding vocals to a room filled with emerging artists, tastemakers, and members of Los Angeles’ creative community.
Each appearance has helped expand her audience across the United States, Southeast Asia, and the broader Asian-American community.
A Music Video Built on Community and Collaboration
The visual companion to “Match My Energy” mirrors the song’s confidence while highlighting the collaborative spirit that has become central to Almira’s work.
Directed by Sierra Leonean filmmaker Zaeim Kamara and co-directed by Indonesian-American director Michael Vincent—known for directing Players—the video blends fashion, choreography, and cultural representation into a project that spans multiple communities.
Featuring DMV-based K-pop dance group District Soul and styling from Vietnamese fashion showroom ASTOUD, the visual becomes more than a music video. It serves as a reflection of the multicultural network Almira has cultivated throughout her career, connecting East Coast roots, West Coast creative communities, and Southeast Asian representation through a shared artistic language.
A Music Video Built on Community and Collaboration
Produced by Indian-Iranian-American producer Chris Hatam—whose credits include work with Kehlani, Teezo Touchdown, and Curren$y—alongside Grammy-nominated producer King Oliver Taylor, “Match My Energy” balances polished contemporary production with nostalgic Y2K influences.
The song also arrives at a moment when global R&B continues expanding beyond traditional industry centers. Artists from diverse cultural backgrounds are finding larger audiences, and Almira has positioned herself at the forefront of that shift—bringing Indonesian representation into mainstream R&B conversations while maintaining the emotional storytelling that anchors the genre.
With a new EP expected later this year, “Match My Energy” feels less like a standalone release and more like a statement of intent.
For Almira Zaky, the next chapter has already begun.
Listen to “Match My Energy”: Available now on all major streaming platforms.
Watch the Official Music Video: Available now on YouTube.
Follow Almira Zaky:
Instagram @almirazaky
Andy’s Locations: 9077 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood
Photo credits: Photo courtesy of Almira
