Vidi Aldiano in the Eyes of Armand Maulana: Cheerful and Full of Spirit

JAKARTA - GIGI vocalist Armand Maulana admitted that he was surprised when he received the news of the death of singer Vidi Aldiano on Saturday, March 7.

Armand said he first received the information through a short message before Maghrib time. He then contacted Vidi's manager to confirm the news.

"Before Maghrib, there were many people in the WhatsApp group. I called the manager to confirm, and it turned out to be true. I came here right away," said Armand when he was met after leaving the house of mourning with his wife, Dewi Gita in South Jakarta, quoted by Antara.

Although he was surprised, Armand said that he and his fellow musicians knew Vidi's struggle in dealing with the disease.

He said that he had attended the first funeral prayer with his family. He said that Habib Jafar was present and led the prayers in the procession.

"Alhamdulillah, the first funeral prayer was with the family and Habib Jafar. He also gave a very good sermon," said Armand.

According to him, the family felt strengthened by the message conveyed in the tausiyah. He also considered Vidi's death day a good day.

"God willing, this is a good sign for the deceased," he said.

Armand admitted that he had seen Vidi's face for the last time.

"His face looks calm, like he's smiling," he said.

He also said that Vidi's body was planned to be buried at the Tanah Kusir TPU on Sunday at 10 a.m.

Meanwhile, Dewi Gita seemed to hold back tears when remembering Vidi's figure. With a trembling voice, he called the deceased a person who always brought cheerfulness.

"Every time he comes, everything is crowded and cheerful. But when he goes home, it's quiet," said Dewi while sobbing.

He also recalled Vidi's special call to Dewi.

"Yang bikin nangis tuh, yang manggil saya 'Nyai' itu cuma Vidi. Dari jauh sudah teriak 'Nyai'. Itu cuma dia," ujarnya.

Dewi recalled a number of moments of cooperation with Vidi, ranging from musical dramas, television programs, to being a judge together in an event.

"We know he is suffering. So friends are forgiving. Now, thank God, he is healthy," he said.

Vidi's fellow musicians remember him as a cheerful person who was able to bring a warm atmosphere on every occasion.