Once Mekel

Elfonda Mekel (born 21 May 1970), 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. After being part of the research management field and achieving success as a vocalist, Once was invited to join Dewa 19, which had renamed itself Dewa, replacing Ari Lasso as the lead 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). 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 as co-lead vocalist with Ahmad Dhani. After his success as a co-lead vocalist with Dewa, 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, 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".[edit]

Once Mekel stands as a defining figure in the landscape of Indonesian rock, anchoring a legacy that spans decades of musical evolution and high-stakes industry drama. While his career has generated immense cultural resonance, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated this person, but they do not currently hold a placement in the published rankings (Global Top 1,000 or a Top-100 scope list). This absence from the global top tier does not diminish his stature within the region, where his vocal identity remains synonymous with a specific golden era of the genre. His influence is measured not by viral spikes but by the enduring weight of his contributions to the band Dewa 19 and his subsequent solo ventures. The audience surrounding him operates without a formal moniker; unlike acts in other markets, there is no unique name documenting the collective devotion to Once Mekel or his tenure with the group. Fans generally identify simply as supporters of the band or the broader Indonesian rock scene, engaging through standard social media channels rather than organized, member-specific campaigns. There are no recorded instances of subway advertisements, birthday billboards, or fan-funded projects dedicated exclusively to his personal brand. This lack of a distinct fandom name reflects a history where the artist served as a pivotal component of a larger ensemble rather than a standalone pop phenomenon driving singular rituals. Despite the intensity of public debates regarding his relationship with Ahmad Dhani, the fanbase interaction remains grounded in appreciation for the music itself, particularly the tracks from the *Bintang Lima* album. The narrative of his career is one of artistic independence and professional resilience, cementing his place in history through the sheer volume of his work and the lasting impact of his voice on a generation of listeners.[edit]

A persistent legend in Indonesian music circles concerns the intense rivalry between Once Mekel and Ahmad Dhani, which has evolved from backstage friction into a decades-long saga playing out in both entertainment and politics. One widely retold story involves the complex negotiations for reunion tours, where members once had to pay their own fees to perform together, highlighting the strained financial dynamics within the group. In March 2024, this lore was updated when Once explicitly stated he would not perform songs recorded with Dewa 19 during concerts in Kuala Lumpur, asserting his artistic independence without citing bad blood. Another verified moment of controversy occurred in 2022 when singer Mulan Jameela criticized Once for being less communicative with audiences, prompting a surprising response from Dhani that reignited public interest in their history. Recent events have further complicated this narrative; in October 2024, both men were assigned to the same commission in the Indonesian Parliament, an overlap described as reigniting tensions due to their past. Folklore also places high value on Once's market dominance, with reports from April 2022 indicating his performance fee for Dewa 19-related events was set at Rp 450 million, significantly higher than Ello's fee. This belief in his irreplaceability was reinforced in June 2025 when Al Ghazali admitted that a Dewa 19 All Stars concert felt incomplete without Once Mekel, solidifying the view that his specific vocal style is essential to the band's sound.[edit]