Whisnu Santika, Dipha Barus & RAMENGVRL soundtrack the grind in ‘IYAIYA’

Whisnu Santika has released his new track ‘IYAIYA’, a collaboration with fellow producer Dipha Barus and rapper RAMENGVRL.

The song fuses Whisnu’s signature Indo-Bounce with Dipha’s refined electronic production and RAMENGVRL’s razor-sharp lyricism. The result is a seamless clash of genres that builds into a rhythm-heavy sound, echoing the restless spirit of working-class youth culture.

Thematically, ‘IYAIYA’ speaks to the realities of Gen Z and young urban workers; juggling studies, jobs, and nightlife while navigating constant economic pressure.

Despite the weight of its themes, the music video strikes a lighter balance. Its vibrant, fast-paced animation portrays cartoon versions the artists in everyday situations familiar to many Indonesians, grounding the message in humour and relatability.

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Whisnu explains: “Life doesn’t pause. Bills come, work piles up, deadlines chase you. I’ve lived that rhythm. Iya Iya is for everyone on that grind, but it’s also a reminder: if you gotta work nonstop, you might as well dance while doing it.”

Dipha Barus adds: “This track is chaos in the best way — dangdut meets Brazilian baile funk, then flips into Indobounce and Baltimore club. It’s about working-class youth juggling college, work, and partying. A celebration of the restlessness in a broken system, chasing a decent life in a cycle that keeps spinning.”

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RAMENGVRL brings the lyrical edge with verses grounded in sharp humour and lived experience: “This one’s for the real city kids. Pull up to the club on a bike but rockin’ Balenciaga (real or fake? only God knows), still in college, just got that part-time paycheck… and already paying taxes. Like how much more real can it get?”

With ‘IYAIYA’, Whisnu continues pushing Indo-Bounce onto the global stage, which he’s already showcased at world-class festivals such as Tomorrowland and Amsterdam Dance Event.

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.

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