Not Allowed to Sing Dewa Songs Again, Here's a Series of Ahmad Dhani & Once Mekel's Togetherness Pictures that are Now Drifting Apart

As is known, Ahmad Dhani and Once Mekel are fellow musicians and members of Dewa 19, where Once serves as the vocalist. Both have been active for decades in the Indonesian music scene.

Once joined Dewa 19 after Ari Lasso decided to leave in 1999. Dhani himself recruited Once to be the vocalist of his group.

Unfortunately, their relationship is currently strained due to a dispute over royalties. Once mentioned that he was hurt by Ahmad Dhani's ultimatum that forbids him from singing Dewa 19 songs.

"Of course I feel hurt, my child even asked me (and his school friends), 'What's wrong Pa, why is everyone in school asking me about this problem?' How do I answer that? But he sees this as the dynamics of adults looking for money," said Once in a press conference in Lebak Bulus, Jakarta Setelan, Friday (31/3/2023).

"Imagine, the father has a problem but it's the child who has to answer," said Once Mekel. "Imagine how to answer?" added Once Mekel.

Once felt sorry for his child who had to answer questions from his friends. The singer of the song 'Dealova' was actually confused in answering questions about Ahmad Dhani's ultimatum to his child.

Once Mekel also felt disappointed with Ahmad Dhani's statement that chose to speak to the media rather than directly to him regarding royalties. 

"In my opinion, Dhani as a politician at least, he should take communicative, elegant, substantive steps through constructive channels when he is not satisfied. Not make statements and direct the public as if Once is wrong," said Once.