Profile and Career Journey of Sammy Simorangkir, from Kerispatih to Solo Success

Kapanlagi.com - The name Sammy Simorangkir is certainly no stranger to lovers of Indonesian music. Known as the former vocalist of the band Kerispatih, this husband of Viviane has successfully pursued a solo career.

His musical journey has been full of twists, from talent shows to legal cases that once halted his progress. However, his passion for music never faded, bringing him back to the entertainment stage.

Now, Sammy is not only known for his golden voice but also for his bravery in voicing musicians' rights at the Constitutional Court. He recently appeared as a witness in the continued hearing of the material test of the Copyright Law at the Constitutional Court (MK) on July 22, 2025. For more details, check here about the profile and career journey of Sammy Simorangkir.

1. Profile of Sammy Simorangkir

Profile and career journey of Sammy Simorangkir (credit: Instagram.com/sammysimorangkir/)

Hendra Samuel Simorangkir, or commonly known as Sammy Simorangkir, was born on September 8, 1982. He is the youngest child of three siblings of the couple D.N. Simorangkir and Tiur Ida Simanjuntak.

Sammy married Viviane on July 22, 2017, and they have been blessed with two children named Gevariel Jogi Simorangkir and Elhanan Lasroha Simorangkir. This celebrity family has been known for their harmony from the past until now.

2. Career Journey: from Indonesian Idol to the Band Kerispatih

Sammy Simorangkir's love for music has grown since childhood, encouraging him to pursue formal education in this field. He studied at the Percussion Department of the Indonesian Institute of Music, honing his musical skills.

Before joining Kerispatih, Sammy tried his luck in the first season of the talent search Indonesian Idol in 2004. He managed to reach the top 30.

Shortly after, Sammy Simorangkir joined Kerispatih. However, he joined after Kerispatih was formed in 2003. This Indonesian band was founded by Badai, Arief, Andika, and Anton. His presence as a vocalist brought a new color to this band.

3. Growing Recognition as a Singer: The Glory Era with Kerispatih

Profile and career journey of Sammy Simorangkir (credit: Instagram.com/sammysimorangkir/)

Together with Kerispatih, the name Sammy Simorangkir soared high in the Indonesian music industry. His distinctive voice became an inseparable identity from Kerispatih's hit songs. They successfully released several albums that became very popular among music lovers. The compilation album Gulalikustik in 2004 marked the beginning of their success.

After that, Kerispatih released three hugely successful solo albums, Kejujuran Hati (2005), Kenyataan Perasaan (2007), and Tak Lekang Oleh Waktu (2008). These albums solidified Kerispatih's position as one of the top bands in Indonesia.

4. Caught in Legal Trouble: A Turning Point in Sammy Simorangkir's Life

Sammy Simorangkir's career journey faced heavy trials when he got caught up in a legal case at the end of 2009. He was accused of car theft and was questioned by the police.

On February 2, 2010, Sammy was again in trouble with the police and was caught in a boarding room in Central Jakarta. Officers found a package of methamphetamine and smoking paraphernalia, and Sammy tested positive for drug use.

This case led him to be charged under the Narcotics Law with a maximum penalty of 12 years. The judges eventually sentenced him to 1 year in prison, serving as a valuable lesson for Sammy Simorangkir.

5. Kicked Out from the Band Kerispatih and Started Solo Career

Profile and career journey of Sammy Simorangkir (credit: Instagram.com/sammysimorangkir/)

2010 became a turning point for Sammy Simorangkir when he was expelled from Kerispatih after being involved in a legal case. The Kerispatih management decided to replace the vocalist.

After serving his sentence and undergoing rehabilitation, Sammy decided to pursue a solo career and had no desire to join another band. He began his solo journey in 2011, releasing his own work. His debut solo album titled I Am Back was released in 2012. The main singles, What Are You Doing and Where and My Sadness, successfully captured attention.

6. Achievements in the Music World: Solo Concerts and Awards

Profile and career journey of Sammy Simorangkir (credit: Instagram.com/sammysimorangkir/)

Sammy Simorangkir has proven himself capable of a solo career and achieving various outstanding accomplishments. He was named the Most Phenomenal Male Solo Singer at the Dahsyatnya Awards 2012, solidifying his position as a top solo artist. In 2013, he was nominated for Best Album, Best Pop Album, and Male Pop Solo Artist at the Anugerah Musik Indonesia.

The pinnacle of his achievements was when he held his first solo concert titled 'Sammy Simorangkir Live Orchestra in Concert' on August 23, 2013, at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), a testament to the success of his solo career.

7. Becoming a Witness in the Copyright Law Test: Voicing Musicians' Concerns

On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, Sammy Simorangkir once again became the focus of public attention when he appeared as a witness in the continued hearing of the judicial review of Law Number 28 of 2014 on Copyright at the Constitutional Court (MK), Central Jakarta. His presence aimed to provide testimony about his views as a singer regarding copyright issues.

Sammy expressed his concerns regarding copyright, especially after he left Kerispatih. He admitted that he was verbally prohibited from singing Kerispatih's songs, unless he was willing to pay Rp5 million per song.

"Long before this issue arose, at the beginning of my journey as a solo singer after I was unilaterally dismissed and no longer part of the music group Kerispatih, I was verbally prohibited from singing Kerispatih's songs, unless I paid Rp 5 million per song," said Sammy in the MK courtroom, Central Jakarta.

8. QnA Profile and Career Journey of Sammy Simorangkir

1. Who is Sammy Simorangkir?

Sammy Simorangkir, or Hendra Samuel Simorangkir, is an Indonesian singer widely known as the former vocalist of the band Kerispatih and is now successfully pursuing a solo career.

2. Why did Sammy Simorangkir leave Kerispatih?

Sammy Simorangkir left Kerispatih in 2010 after being caught up in a drug abuse case, which led to the end of his contract with the band and Kerispatih decided to replace the vocalist.

3. What issue did Sammy Simorangkir voice at the Constitutional Court?

Sammy Simorangkir was a witness in the judicial review session of the Copyright Law.

4. What song did Sammy sing in front of the Constitutional Court judges?

Sammy sang a part of the song Bila Rasaku Ini Rasamu which was released while he was still the vocalist of Kerispatih.

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(kpl/nlw)