Once : popular Indonesian singer

Once

Once, also known as Elfonda Mekel, is a popular Indonesian singer who used to be the lead vocalist of Dewa 19. He was born on May 21, 1970, in Ujung Pandang, South Sulawesi. During his time at Tirta Marta Junior High School, Once started singing and also learned how to play the guitar, drums, and piano. He participated in several singing competitions, including one held among high schools in Jakarta. Once joined various bands after graduating from Tirta Mirta Senior High School, starting with cover bands like Brawijaya and Dimensi. He began singing his own songs when he joined Java Burns, and he contributed one of his songs to the compilation album Seribu Angan in the early 1990s.

Once had to take a break from singing between 1993 and 1997 due to a problem with his voice box. During this time, he attended the University of Indonesia to study law and graduated in 1996. In addition to his studies, he worked for a construction company. In 1997, he resumed his singing career by performing in cafes. He then collaborated with Ahmad Dhani to produce the soundtrack for the film Kuldesak in 1998. Once was later invited to join Dhani's band, Dewa 19, in 2000. He replaced Ari Lasso, who was expelled from the group for using drugs. At the beginning of his time with the band, Once struggled to meet the high expectations of Lasso's fans, and he was criticized for being distant from them and having an awkward stage presence. However, Once eventually gained the acceptance of Dewa 19's fans after the success of Pandawa Lima, his first album with the band, which sold 1.7 million copies. He went on to record four more albums with Dewa 19 and also released three solo singles, "Dealova", "Aku Mau", and "Symphony yang Indah" (meaning "A Beautiful Symphony").

Once announced his resignation from Dewa 19 on 19 January 2011, citing his desire to pursue a solo career as the main reason, although rumors have circulated that issues with royalties may have also played a role in his decision. After leaving Dewa 19, Once joined forces with other musicians, including Lasso, Doadibadai Hollo of Kerispatih, Maggi of /rif, Irfan of Samsons, and Yuke, to establish the AYLI Project. At the time of June 2011, he was in the process of recording his debut solo album. Once's musical talent has been recognized in the past, having been awarded the Best Pop Soloist award at the 2005 Anugerah Musik Indonesia and the Best Pop Song award at AMI the following year for one of his compositions.