Nasida Ria was formed in Semarang, Central Java in 1975 by HM Zain, a qira'at teacher; Zain was previously experienced with the Assabab mixed group. [1] [2] Zain gathered nine of his students to become a band: Mudrikah Zain, Mutoharoh, Rien Jamain, Umi Kholifah, Musyarofah, Nunung, Alfiyah, Kudriyah, and Nur Ain. [2] This group initially only used tambourines as a musical instrument. [2] Later, the mayor of Semarang Iman Soeparto Tjakrajoeda, who is also their fan, donated an organ to help Nasida Ria, and also facilitate their music lessons. [2] They later got bass guitars, violins and guitars. [2]