Singer Yopie Latul Dies Of COVID-19

Yopi Latul (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Singer Yopie Latul who popularized the song Poco-Poco died at the age of 65, Wednesday, September 9.

This sad news was conveyed in the Instagram Story upload of singer Ruth Sahanaya.

"Bung Yopie", wrote the musician who is familiarly called Uthe on a black background, complete with crying face emoticons.

Uthe also wrote "Siiioooo Dude Yoooppp" on his Instagram feed.

Yopie Latul's last post on Instagram on July 9 was also flooded with condolences from fans.

The day before he died, Yopie Latul's son, Carllo Latul, announced that his father was infected with COVID-19. He informed via Instagram Story uploads.

"I am Carllo (Rio) Latul on behalf of my family and want to tell us that it is true, our father, Yopie Latul, was declared POSITIVE CORONA with a diagnosis of OTG (People Without Symptoms)," wrote Carllo.

Yopie was born in Ambon, Maluku, on September 7, 1955. The singer who has been active since 1982 is known for her ethnic song Poco-Poco house music genre which is often played as a gymnastic song.

Poco-Poco earned Yopie the 2001 Indonesian Music Award for the Best Disco / House Music / Rap / Dance Music Singer category.

Previously, Yopie Latul was one of the performers who planned to perform at Didi Kempot's 30-year concert. The concert was supposed to be held on July 10, 2020, but it didn't happen because Didi Kempot passed away in May 2020.

While preparing for the concert with Didi Kempot, Yopie said he was happy because traditional music was back in demand.

"With the rising Javanese song, we can support each other to become top again. Local music unites us, from Sabang to Merauke, we can unite, "said Yopie on March 10, 2020.

After Didi's death, Yopie plans to join the Ambyar Tak Jogeti - Tribute to Didi Kempot concert which will be held on November 14, 2020.