Starting From Asking for a Job, Armand Maulana Never Expected to Be Like This

Kapanlagi.com - Who doesn't know Armand Maulana. His name is so legendary as the vocalist of the band GIGI. His experience and knowledge in music often make him appointed as a judge in singing talent search events.

Currently, this 49-year-old man is still active with GIGI. His stage performance is still energetic. Outside his band, Armand also has solo projects as a singer.

The success he has achieved, Armand admits that it is not solely because of himself, but many other people who have contributed to his career achievements. One of them is Bens Leo, a journalist who is now a music observer.

"Actually, I was born with Mr. Bens (Leo)," said Armand when talking with Bens Leo, Thursday (24/9/2020).

1. Armand Selected as Best Vocalist

Armand's meeting with Bens Leo took place in 1989. At that time, Armand and his band, Band SMA 5, participated in a student festival in Java and Bali. Meanwhile, Bens Leo was one of the judges.

In short, Band SMA 5 was chosen as the overall champion, while Armand was selected as the best vocalist. Armand praised Bens Leo's keenness in finding the potential of the festival participants.

"Mas Bens was keen in seeing my potential when I participated in the band festival in Java and Bali in 89. I remember clearly, Mas Bens gave me the trophy for the best vocal at that time," Armand recalled.

2. Moving to Jakarta

Armand's relationship with Bens Leo continued. After graduating from high school, Armand moved to Jakarta to study at the University of Indonesia. In Jakarta, Armand contacted Bens Leo.

"I told Mas Bens, I got accepted to UI, please give me a job. (Bens Leo said) 'Alright, come and play in Tebet. When we played, Mas Bens gave me a cassette to participate in the Festival of Struggle Songs. Mas Bens said at that time, sing this song, it will be broadcasted on TV, I was so happy to be given the opportunity. I also won the championship there," said Dewi Gita's husband.

After winning the National Festival of Struggle Songs, Armand Maulana's career flourished.

"From there, my name was really recognized. Because of that, I became a regular on TVRI, Aneka Ria Safari, and others," Armand recalled.

3. Thank You to Bens Leo

Armand then caught the attention of Raidy Noor to become the vocalist of Next Band and later recruited Roni Sianturi to replace Edwin, who was studying in America, as a member of Trio Libels. And in the end, he joined Dewa Budjana, Thomas, Ronald, and Baron in the band GIGI.

Armand expressed his gratitude to Bens Leo, who had contributed to his career. Armand admitted that he didn't expect, originally at that time he asked Bens Leo for a job, not to become a singer.

"I didn't expect it, bro, that I just wanted to ask for a job to be an event committee and suddenly I was given a singing job, thank God," said Armand.

"So, back then, this was what I meant by asking for a job, not singing. Mas Bens was really busy back then, I thought Mas Bens had some activities, so I followed him as a committee to have many friends in Jakarta because I am from Bandung," said Armand with laughter.

(kpl/dan/nda)