Known As A Top Singer, Once Mekel Never Wins When Participating In A Festival

JAKARTA - Before joining Dewa in 2000, Elfonda Mekel alias Once Mekel was known as a singer who often appeared on the festival stage or music competition.

Since settling in Jakarta, Once, who has dreamed of becoming a singer since he was 5 years old, started his first appearance at the festival while sitting in junior high school.

"At that time, there was no other stage besides the festival. If it wasn't a festival, it wouldn't be a gig," said Once when he was a guest on XVG TV, seen Tuesday, October 24.

However, Once has never won a festival. He said, at that time the music festival was dominated by jazz and fusion genres.

"The ones who win are usually jazz fusion children. We are metal children, that's how the technique is still bad," said Once Mekel.

"The winner is always a jazz child with fusion, we are stuck in one hope," he added.

Although his band has never been a festival champion, Once remembers one moment when he was selected as the best vocalist in South Jakarta. At that time, he was still in junior high school.

"But, I was the best vocalist in South Jakarta at junior high school. What I remember at that time was Tohpati became the best guitarist and Tyo Nugros became the best drummer," he said.

Once admitted that he had not had much experience in the recording studio, before joining Dewa. Counted at least twice Once on record.

Around 1990, Once was involved in a compilation album. In the album there are other national singers, such as Trie Utami.

Then, Once recorded a song with Pay Burman. He said that at that time Pay had released an album with Slank.

"He (Pay Burman) once invited me to take part in the recording. For fun, actually, Pay is the best for fun," said Once Mekel.

"Iseng-iseng tahu jadi saja. Bahkan lagunya waktu itu sempat masuk chart (lagu web)," pungkasnya.