★ HOW OLD IS ONCE MEKEL?
Once Mekel is 56 years old, born May 21, 1970 in Indonesia · Gemini.
#6671of 35,276 Actors on HotBirthdays
★ LEDE
About
Once Mekel is an Indonesian singer known for his time as co-lead vocalist with rock band Dewa, replacing Ari Lasso after the 1997 album Pandawa Lima. Born 21 May 1970, his distinctive vocal power helped drive two best-selling albums: Bintang Lima (2000) and Cintailah Cinta (2002). After Dewa disbanded in 2011, he returned to solo work, launching his debut album Once in 2012. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him among Indonesia's 50 greatest singers. As a Gemini, his dual nature mirrors his split between band and solo careers.
★ FEATURE
Biography
Once Mekel (born Elfonda Mekel, 21 May 1970) is an Indonesian singer, researcher, music industry observer, entrepreneur, and politician. He started as a semi-professional vocalist after high school, releasing solo singles including "Juwita Pandang" (1991) and "Anggun" (1999) before joining the rock band Dewa.
Mekel replaced Ari Lasso as Dewa's lead vocalist following the 1997 album Pandawa Lima and the single Elang (1999). As co-lead vocalist alongside Ahmad Dhani, his distinctive vocal style became central to the band's commercial peak: the albums Bintang Lima (2000) and Cintailah Cinta (2002) sold millions of copies. Over five studio albums, Mekel's power vocals defined Dewa's sound during their most successful era.
Following Dewa's 2011 disbandment triggered by his departure, Mekel refocused on solo work. His comeback single "Dealova" (2005) also served as the soundtrack for a film of the same name. He released his debut solo album, Once, in 2012.
Mekel is widely recognized as one of Indonesia's premier male vocalists. Rolling Stone magazine included him in its "50 Greatest Indonesian Singers" list. As a Gemini born in May, his life-path number 7 suggests a natural researcher and observer—roles he has pursued alongside music. Male singers perform across live shows, studio recordings, and collaborative projects.
★ ORIGIN
Before Fame
Once Mekel began his career as a semi-professional vocalist after completing high school. Before joining Dewa, he worked in research management and released solo singles "Juwita Pandang" (1991) and "Anggun" (1999). These early releases established his distinctive vocal credentials within Indonesian music circles, setting the stage for his invitation to join the already-established rock band Dewa as a replacement vocalist.
★ SIDEBAR
Trivia
- Once replaced Ari Lasso in Dewa following the completion of the 1997 album Pandawa Lima and the hit single Elang (1999).
- His solo comeback single "Dealova" (2005) doubled as the title track for a film of the same name.
- Rolling Stone magazine recognized Once as one of Indonesia's 50 greatest singers, cementing his status as one of the country's premier male vocalists.
★ SIDEBAR
Numerology
LIFE-PATH NUMBER
The Seeker
Analytical and private. Once Mekel release rarely but deeply, and tend to reward fans with unusual artistic depth rather than constant output.
★ ALL LIFE-PATH 7 CELEBS →★ ASTROLOGY
Birthday compatibility
By Chinese zodiac — san-he trine for best matches, opposing pair for the most friction-prone.
HIGHLY COMPATIBLE
- Hunter SchaferTiger · 1998
- Dylan WangTiger · 1998
- Kerris DorseyTiger · 1998
- AlexandraTiger · 1998
- Emily FairnTiger · 1998
CHALLENGING
- Griffin GluckDragon · 2000
- Jade Pettyjohn
★ FAQ
Frequently asked
- How old is Once Mekel?
- Once Mekel is 56 years old (born May 21, 1970).
- When is Once Mekel's birthday?
- Once Mekel was born on May 21, 1970.
- What is Once Mekel's zodiac sign?
- Once Mekel is a Gemini, born May 21, 1970.
- What is Once Mekel's Chinese zodiac sign?
- Once Mekel was born in 1970, the year of the Metal Dog.
- Where is Once Mekel from?
- Once Mekel is from Indonesia.
- What does Once Mekel do?
- Once Mekel is a actor.
- Is Once Mekel still alive?
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