Once Mekel
Elfonda Mekel, (born 21 May 1970), in Makassar, Indonesia, better known as Once Mekel ([ˈɔntʃə], pronounced Ohn-chè), is an Indonesian singer, researcher, music industry observer, entrepreneur, and politician. He started his career as a singer after completing high school, by becoming a semi-professional singer.[1]
Ellfonda Mekel | |
|---|---|
 Once Mekel in 2005 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Ellfonda Mekel |
| Born | 21 May 1970 Makassar, Indonesia |
| Genres | Rock |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, music industry observer, politician |
| Years active | 1988–present |
| Formerly of | Dewa 19 |
| Spouse(s) | Rietmadhanty Angelica Tauchid |
After being part of the research management field and achieving fame as a renowned vocalist, Once was invited to join Dewa 19, which had renamed itself to Dewa, replacing Ari Lasso as the vocalist after the completion of the Pandawa Lima album (1997) and the single Elang (1999). Before joining the band, he had released solo singles such as "Juwita Pandang" (1991) and "Anggun" (1999).[2]
Joining Dewa, Once played a significant role in the success of two best-selling albums, Bintang Lima (2000) and Cintailah Cinta (2002), with his distinctive vocals. Once produced a total of 5 albums with Dewa. After his success as a band vocalist, Once revived his solo career with the single "Dealova" (2005), which was also the soundtrack for the film of the same name.
Following Dewa's disbandment in 2011 due to his departure,[3] Once focused on his solo singing career. After releasing several singles, he finally launched his debut album titled Once (2012). Once is renowned as one of the best male vocalists in Indonesia due to his distinctive vocal style and power. Rolling Stone magazine included Once in the "50 Greatest Indonesian Singers".[4]
Biography
Early singing career
Once was born to Yohanes Elias Mekel and Maria Josephine Mekel Cambey. While in junior high school, Once replaced a vocalist in a festival band, marking his entry into the music world. After high school, Once became a semi-professional vocalist. His band once accompanied famous singers like Ita Purnamasari.
In 1989, Once was accepted as a law student at the University of Indonesia. Despite his studies, he remained dedicated to his musical pursuits. He released the song "Juwita Pandang" on a compilation album in 1991 with Andy Liany Ronald and Pay. He formed the band 'Fargat 727' and released the album 'Seribu Angan' and also the band 'Java Burns,' which later became 'Bottoms Up' (the precursor to the band 'Getah'). During his college years, Once experienced vocal cord problems, leading him to quit singing and focus on his studies.
He began singing while attending junior high school[5] at Tirta Mart After graduating from Tirta Mirta Senior High School,[6] Once joined numerous bands. His first bands, Brawijaya and Dimensi, were cover bands. After joining Java Burns, he began singing songs he had written himself; he eventually provided a song for the compilation album Seribu Angan (A Thousand Dreams) in the early 1990s.[5] ===Professional career==- Due to a problem with his voice box, Once took a hiatus from singing between 1993 and 1997. He used this time to study law at the University of Indonesia, graduating in 1996. He also worked for a construction company.[5]
By 1997 he had begun singing again, in cafes,[6] and in 1998 he recorded the soundtrack for the film Kuldesak with Ahmad Dhani.[5] Once was later asked to join Dhani's band, Dewa 19, in 2000,[7] and eventually replaced Ari Lasso, who was expelled from the group for drug use. In the beginning, Once had difficulty fulfilling fan's high expectations set by Lasso, and was noted as not communicating with them[8] as well as having a stiff on-stage persona.[9]
Once was eventually accepted by Dewa 19's fans after Bintang Lima, his first album with the group, was a hit; it eventually sold 1.7 million copies.[10] He later recorded four more albums with Dewa 19. In 2004, Once had a hit single "Separuh Nafasku" ("Half of My Breath"). He also released three solo singles, "Dealova", "Aku Mau" ("I Want") and "Symphony yang Indah" ("A Beautiful Symphony").[6]
On 19 January 2011, Once resigned from Dewa 19 to develop his solo career;[7] it was rumored that problems with royalties were a factor in his decision.[6]
Discography
Fargat 727
- Seribu Angan (1991)
- Bintang Lima (2000)
- Cintailah Cinta (2002)
- Laskar Cinta (2004)
- Republik Cinta (2006)
Once (Solo Career)
- Once (2012)
- Intrinsik (2015)
- Sigma (2023)
Singles
- Anggun (1999)
- Dealova (2004)
- Kucinta Kau Apa Adanya (2006)
- Symphony Yang Indah (2011)
- Ditentukan Untuk Bersama (2022)
- Untuk Kita (2023)
Awards
Voted Best Pop Soloist at the 2005 Anugerah Musik Indonesia (AMI). The following year, one of his songs was voted Best Pop Song at AMI.[6]
Personal life
Once is a Christian. He married Rietmadhanty Angelica Tauchid (Ima) on 20 December 2005. They have one son, Manuel Mekel.[5]
References
- Footnotes
- Sosok Once Mekel, Alumni Fakultas Hukum UI, Pernah Jadi Peneliti Sebelum Vokalis Dewa 19. from msn.com
- Sejarah Panjang Lagu Elang Dewa 19 dan Burung Rajawali. dari situs tinemu.com
- Sebut Salah Satu Alasan Dewa 19 Bubar: Karena Ditinggal Once. Ahmad Dhani: Kita Sekalian Istirahat, Lah.". dari situs berita Grid Hai
- KapanLagi.com, Once Dewa.
- TokohIndonesia.com, Once.
- Jakarta Post 2011, It's Official: Once.
- Simanjuntak 2003, Dewa buries.
- Primastuti 2002, Dewa delights loyal.
- Sofyan 2011, Ngobrol Bareng Once.
- Bibliography
- Febriani, Prih Prawesti (27 June 2011). "Once Acuhkan Ahmad Dhani?" [Is Once Ignoring Ahmad Dhani?]. detik.com (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 2 October 2011. Retrieved 30 January 2017.
- Handayani, Primastuti (16 February 2002). "Dewa delights loyal fans in concert". The Jakarta Post. Retrieved 2 October 2011.
- "It's official: Once has resigned from Dewa 19". The Jakarta Post. 20 January 2011. Retrieved 2 October 2011.
- "Once". TokohIndonesia.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2 October 2011.
- "Once Dewa". KapanLagi.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2 October 2011.
- Simanjuntak, Tertiani ZB (23 February 2003). "Dewa buries hatchet in tehe [sic] name of love". The Jakarta Post. Retrieved 2 October 2011.
- Sofyan, Eko Hendrawan (9 March 2011). "Ngobrol Bareng Once, Yuk!" [Let's Speak with Once!]. Kompas (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 2 October 2011. Retrieved 30 January 2017.