Pongki Barata Reveals the Song 'Aku Bukan Pilihan' Was Not Made for Iwan Fals

Kapanlagi.com - Musician Pongki Barata recently revealed the story behind the creation of the legendary song titled Aku Bukan Pilihan. This song, which became a huge hit through the golden voice of Iwan Fals, is known to be part of the legendary album titled Collaboration With.. released in 2003.

The song, which has always been closely associated with Iwan Fals's vocal character, actually has a long history involving another singer before it became a major hit in the Indonesian music industry.

The former vocalist of Jikustik shared that the song was originally not intended for Iwan Fals at all. Pongki created the work for one of the members of the vocal group Trio Libels, namely Edwin Manansang.

"It was actually not for Iwan Fals. It was actually for Edwin Manansang from Trio Libels. But apparently, the label tried it again with Mas Iwan," said Pongki Barata during a conversation with a Kapanlagi.com reporter recently.

1. Iwan Fals Surprised

The decision of the label to give the song to Iwan Fals actually holds a unique story. The reason is, the Indonesian music legend initially did not know that the song Aku Bukan Pilihan had already been recorded by another singer.

"Mas Iwan initially didn't know that the song had already been recorded by Edwin Manansang," he said.

Iwan Fals even showed an unexpected reaction when he learned the actual fact. As a musician with strong principles in his work, he felt hesitant to continue with the song if he had known from the beginning that it was a song that had been performed by someone else.

"He was surprised, 'Oh, that has been done before? If I had known it had already been done, I wouldn't want to,'" said Pongky.

2. Personal Experience? 

Furthermore, Pongky shared the emotional background behind the writing of the song's lyrics. It turns out, Aku Bukan Pilihan was created based on his personal experience of going through a deep heartbreak.

"I was heartbroken," he joked.

3. Don't Want to Be an Option

Through this song, Pongki wants to emphasize a life principle regarding a relationship. He does not want his position to be seen as just one alternative or option in matters of romance.

"So I'm Not an Option is about me not wanting to be considered as an option or choice. If you want to choose me, then choose me, that's it. It turns out that when sung by Mas Iwan, it sounds more masculine," he revealed.

(kpl/far/ums)