Once Mekel

Elfonda Mekel, universally known as Once Mekel (pronounced *Ohn-chè*), is an Indonesian singer, songwriter, music industry observer, entrepreneur, and politician. Born on May 21, 1970, in Makassar, South Sulawesi, he stands as one of the most respected vocalists in his country's history. His career spans decades of musical evolution, from early solo singles to becoming the co-lead vocalist of the legendary rock band Dewa 19 during its commercial zenith. Today, Once balances a dual life as a high-profile artist and a public servant. He serves as a member of the Indonesian Parliament (DPR) representing the Gerindra Party, where he advocates for arts and culture policies. While often associated with the group Dewa 19, his identity has solidified through distinct solo projects and a reputation for emotional vocal delivery that defined an era of Indonesian rock.

Once is renowned for his distinctive power and deep voice, which contrasts with the typical high-pitched rock vocals of the 90s, giving Dewa 19 a unique sonic identity. Beyond music, he is a passionate advocate for environmental and human rights issues, often using his platform to speak out on social justice. As of 2026, he continues to balance his roles as a politician and a musician, remaining active in the DPR while focusing on solo projects and collaborations that align with his personal values. His ongoing engagement with fans ensures his relevance in the Indonesian music landscape, marked by a legacy of resilience and artistic integrity.[edit]

Once was born Elfonda Mekel in Makassar, South Sulawesi, into a family that nurtured his early interest in music. Unlike many peers who jumped straight into performance, Once took a detour after high school. He entered the field of research management, working as a researcher and music industry observer. This period allowed him to refine his understanding of the business side of entertainment before fully committing to the stage. During these years, he worked as a semi-professional singer while managing research duties. His first steps toward recognition came with the release of solo singles like "Juwita Pandang" in 1991 and "Anggun" in 1999. These tracks showcased his vocal range and established his reputation as a serious artist capable of handling complex arrangements. The success of these early releases paved the way for his eventual invitation to join a major band, marking the transition from a local talent to a national figure. He later earned a law degree (S.H.), which would prove crucial for his future navigation of legal complexities in both the music and political sectors.[edit]

Once's career trajectory shifted dramatically in the late 1990s. Following the completion of Dewa 19's Pandawa Lima album in 1997 and the single "Elang" in 1999, the band underwent a significant transition. Ari Lasso departed, and the group rebranded itself simply as "Dewa." Once was invited to join as the new lead vocalist, replacing Lasso. His tenure marked the band's commercial zenith, helping to produce five albums that defined an era of Indonesian rock. The albums Bintang Lima (2000) and Cintailah Cinta (2002) became best-sellers, driven by Once's powerful vocals and songwriting contributions. Hits from this era remain staples of Indonesian radio and culture.

In 2005, he revived his solo career with the release of "Dealova," the soundtrack for the film of the same name. This track solidified his status as a solo artist capable of carrying a project independently. Following the disbandment of Dewa in 2011 due to internal dynamics and legal disputes over the band's name, Once focused entirely on his solo work. In 2012, he launched his debut solo album titled Once, further cementing his identity separate from the group. Beyond music, he entered the political arena as a member of the DPR, joining the Gerindra Party. In October 2024, media reports highlighted the awkwardness of his collaboration with former bandmate Ahmad Dhani when they were assigned to the same commission within the parliament. In March 2024, he clarified his stance on performing with Dewa 19, stating during a concert in Kuala Lumpur that he would not perform songs recorded with the group unless specific conditions were met. Additionally, in September 2023, he collaborated with activist Usman to release a new song commemorating the death of human rights activist Munir Said Thalib. In 2022, he participated in a charity single titled "Human Race," featuring international musicians like Billy Sheehan and Ron Thal, which was later released as an NFT to support charitable causes.[edit]

Once Mekel projects an image of resilience and artistic integrity. He is portrayed in the media as a serious musician who maintained his standards despite industry pressures and personal conflicts. His public persona is grounded in his role as a dedicated public servant and a vocalist known for emotional depth rather than flashy gimmicks. He uses his social media platforms primarily to promote his music, announce political activities, and engage with fans regarding his charitable initiatives. The narrative surrounding him emphasizes his independence and his refusal to compromise his artistic vision, even when it meant navigating tense negotiations with former bandmates. As of 2026, he maintains an active presence on Instagram (@oncemekelofficial with approximately 378,000 followers), TikTok (@oncemekelofficial with 57,500 followers), Twitter/X (@onceOfficial), and Facebook (Oncemekel). These channels serve as his primary tools for communicating with supporters and promoting his dual career paths without revealing unnecessary personal details.[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. His concerts consistently draw large crowds, particularly in Java, fueled by nostalgia for the *Bintang Lima* era and the emotional resonance of his ballads.[edit]

Once Mekel holds a law degree (S.H.), which explains his smooth transition into politics and his ability to navigate the legal complexities of the music industry. A persistent legend in Indonesian music circles concerns the intense rivalry between Once and Ahmad Dhani, which evolved from backstage friction into a decades-long saga. One widely retold story involves members having to pay their own fees to perform together, highlighting strained financial dynamics. Folklore also places high value on Once's market dominance; reports from April 2022 indicated his performance fee for Dewa 19-related events was set at Rp 450 million, significantly higher than other members. In June 2025, 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. 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. Once is also known for his deep voice, which contrasts with the typical high-pitched rock vocals of the 90s, giving Dewa 19 a unique sonic identity. Most notably, *Rolling Stone Indonesia* included him in their prestigious "50 Greatest Indonesian Singers" list, a testament to his enduring impact on the national music scene.[edit]

Public information regarding Once Mekel's family background beyond his birthplace remains minimal compared to his professional achievements. Raised in a musical environment in Makassar, he developed an early interest in singing, though specific details about his parents, siblings, or extended household are not widely documented in public records. There are no confirmed accounts of pets, family stories, or specific anecdotes regarding his upbringing that have been verified by credible sources. Unlike some contemporaries who share extensive family histories publicly, Once has chosen to keep the specifics of his domestic life private, focusing instead on his public persona as a musician and politician. The scarcity of data regarding his immediate family reflects a broader cultural tendency among Indonesian rock stars of his generation to maintain a clear boundary between their public artistry and their private home lives.[edit]

Ahmad Dhani, Ari Lasso, Ello, Al Ghazali, Mulan Jameela, Usman. [edit]

Public information regarding Once Mekel's romantic life is sparse compared to his professional achievements. Unlike many Western celebrities, Indonesian rock stars of his generation often keep their private lives out of the tabloid spotlight. There are no confirmed public records of marriages, engagements, or long-term relationships documented in credible sources up to 2026. No children have been publicly acknowledged. He maintains a low profile regarding his dating history, focusing his public narrative on his music and political career. As of 2026, there are no reports indicating he is currently married or in a relationship; he is generally considered to be living a private life, prioritizing his work in the DPR and his musical endeavors. The lack of confirmed partners or offspring distinguishes his public biography from many of his peers who frequently share family updates, reinforcing his reputation for keeping personal matters strictly off-limits to the media.[edit]

iFANN currently estimates Once Mekel's net worth at approximately $1.2 Million. His wealth stems from multiple streams including music royalties from the massive sales of Dewa 19 albums like Bintang Lima and Cintailah Cinta, as well as his solo catalog. Concert fees represent a significant portion of his income, with reports suggesting his performance fees for Dewa 19-related events can reach hundreds of millions of Rupiah per event, specifically noted at Rp 450 million in April 2022. Additional revenue comes from business ventures in the music industry, potential real estate holdings, and the sale of NFTs from charity singles like "Human Race." His recent entry into politics as a member of the DPR adds a standard salary to his portfolio. While exact dollar figures vary and are not widely publicized in global financial databases, his financial standing is considered robust, placing him among the more successful artists of his generation in Indonesia. No credible source provides a precise 2026 net worth estimate, but his assets are substantial enough to sustain a high-profile lifestyle and political career.[edit]