10 Reasons Titiek Puspa is Called a Music Legend and Cultural Hero, Creating More than 300 Songs - Often Collaborates with Young Singers

Titiek Puspa's career did not start easily. According to the book Titiek Puspa: A Biography, she initially did not receive her father's blessing to sing. According to Tugeno, Titiek's father, becoming a singer was not his goal in sending his children to school.

She even used a pseudonym when participating in competitions. From Sudarwati, she adopted the pseudonym Titiek Puspa. That name was what she used until her death. Titiek often won competitions at the regional level, but repeatedly failed to become a winner in the capital city competitions. 

Her career in the capital truly started from the bottom before she became famous. She worked as a contract employee at RRI Jakarta and was assigned as a regular program host at RRI.

Her fame began to rise when she joined a cultural mission to Malaya. Along with the mission group, she formed the Orkes Puspa Sari. There were well-known singers and composers such as Sri Redjeki, Sam Saimun, Said Efendi, Iskandar, Sjaiful Bahri, and Bing Slamet.

In addition to singing at various events, Titiek Puspa was also appointed as the State Palace Singer. She was often invited by President Sukarno to visit various countries. As a singer, Titiek also represents Indonesian culture through her kebaya, jarik, and neatly styled hair. 

She became one of the first singers to color the early recording industry in Indonesia. In addition to singing, Titiek also began to create songs.

Her ability to create songs grew even more when she met jazz musician Mus Mualim, who later became her third husband. Throughout her career, Titiek has created more than 300 song titles. 

Interestingly, Titiek Puspa remains active even though she is no longer young. It can still be remembered that in the 90s she performed with Saskia and Geofanny through the songs Menabung, Apanya Dong, and Aku Suka Musik. 

After that, her songs were widely covered by top singers such as Ariel NOAH, Iwan Fals, and Rossa. It's no surprise that Titiek Puspa was immortalized by Rolling Stone Indonesia magazine as one of The Immortals: 25 Greatest Indonesian Artists of All Time in 2008.

Her concern for music and children also prompted Titiek Puspa to form Duta Cinta in 2014. Duta Cinta is a vocal group consisting of 10 children from various backgrounds. Titiek created nationalist-themed songs that they perform.