Ahmad Syech Albar ( ar, أحمد شيخ البار ') or better known as Ahmad Albar (born 16 July 1946) is an Indonesian
rock musician
Rock music is a broad genre of popular music that originated as "rock and roll" in the United States in the late 1940s and early 1950s, developing into a range of different styles in the mid-1960s and later, particularly in the United States and ...
and
vocalist
Singing is the act of creating musical sounds with the voice. A person who sings is called a singer, artist or vocalist (in jazz and/or popular music). Singers perform music (arias, recitatives, songs, etc.) that can be sung with or without ...
of mixed ethnic
Arabic
Arabic (, ' ; , ' or ) is a Semitic languages, Semitic language spoken primarily across the Arab world.Semitic languages: an international handbook / edited by Stefan Weninger; in collaboration with Geoffrey Khan, Michael P. Streck, Janet C ...
and
Javanese descent . He is the founding member of
God Bless
God Bless is an Indonesian rock band founded in Jakarta in 1973 by Ahmad Albar, Jockie Soerjoprajogo, Fuad Hassan, Donny Fattah, and Ludwig Lemans. It continues to be active and has received several awards from the Indonesian music industry.
H ...
.
Biography
Early life and career
![Syech Albar c](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/92/Syech_Albar_c._1939.jpg)
Albar was born in
Surabaya
Surabaya ( jv, ꦱꦸꦫꦧꦪ or jv, ꦯꦹꦫꦨꦪ; ; ) is the capital city of the Provinces of Indonesia, Indonesian province of East Java and the List of Indonesian cities by population, second-largest city in Indonesia, after Jakarta. L ...
,
East Java
East Java ( id, Jawa Timur) is a Provinces of Indonesia, province of Indonesia located in the easternmost hemisphere of Java island. It has a land border only with the province of Central Java to the west; the Java Sea and the Indian Ocean bord ...
on 16 July 1946 to
Syech Albar and his wife Farida Alhasni. Both of his parents were of
Arab
The Arabs (singular: Arab; singular ar, عَرَبِيٌّ, DIN 31635: , , plural ar, عَرَب, DIN 31635: , Arabic pronunciation: ), also known as the Arab people, are an ethnic group mainly inhabiting the Arab world in Western Asia, ...
descent. He was the couple's fourth child. In 1958 he played in the film ''Djenderal Kantjil'' (''General Kancil'').
Albar moved to the Netherlands in 1965. In 1970 he sang "Don't Spoil My Day" and "Tell Me the World" with Clover Leaf, which charted. After his return to Indonesia, he founded
God Bless
God Bless is an Indonesian rock band founded in Jakarta in 1973 by Ahmad Albar, Jockie Soerjoprajogo, Fuad Hassan, Donny Fattah, and Ludwig Lemans. It continues to be active and has received several awards from the Indonesian music industry.
H ...
with
Jockie Soerjoprajogo
Jockie Soerjoprajogo (; Perfected Spelling: Yockie Suryoprayogo; 14 September 1954 – 5 February 2018) was an Indonesian musician and songwriter. Jockie began his musical career while a junior high school student in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan. ...
, Fuad Hassan, Donny Fattah, and his friend from Clover Leaf, Ludwig Lemans; Albar was lead vocalist. The band's first performance was in
Taman Ismail Marzuki
Ismail Marzuki Park, ( Indonesian: Taman Ismail Marzuki, TIM), is an arts, cultural, and science center located at Cikini in Jakarta, Indonesia. Taman Ismail Marzuki complex comprises a number of facilities including six performing arts theaters, ...
on 5 May 1973, and on 16 August 1973 they held the Summer 28 concert, the first (and, as of 2004, largest)
open-air concert
A music festival is a community event with performances of singing and instrument playing that is often presented with a theme such as musical genre (e.g., rock, blues, folk, jazz, classical music), nationality, locality of musicians, or ho ...
in Indonesia. The band, with Albar, also played in the 1973 comedy ''Ambisi'' (''Ambition''), directed by Nya Abbas Akup.
God Bless
In 1975, Albar and God Bless opened for
Deep Purple
Deep Purple are an English rock band formed in London in 1968. They are considered to be among the pioneers of heavy metal music, heavy metal and modern hard rock music, but their musical style has changed over the course of its existence. Ori ...
at a concert in Jakarta. On 27 September 1975, Albar appeared on the cover of ''
Tempo
In musical terminology, tempo (Italian, 'time'; plural ''tempos'', or ''tempi'' from the Italian plural) is the speed or pace of a given piece. In classical music, tempo is typically indicated with an instruction at the start of a piece (often ...
'', with a full feature on him inside; the coverage compared his costume to
Zorro
Zorro (Spanish language, Spanish for 'fox') is a fictional character created in 1919 by American pulp magazine, pulp writer Johnston McCulley, appearing in works set in the Pueblo of Los Angeles in Alta California. He is typically portrayed a ...
's and described him spinning the microphone over his head as if he were competing in a
hammer throw
The hammer throw is one of the four throwing events in regular track and field competitions, along with the discus throw, shot put and javelin.
The "hammer" used in this sport is not like any of the tools also called by that name. It consis ...
event. Other magazines, such as ''Junior'', ''Aktuil'', and ''Top'', soon followed; ''Aktuil'' named him the best vocalist of 1976.
In 1976, Albar and God Bless released their first album, ''Huma di atas Bukit'' (''House on the Hill''). The titular song was an adaptation of "Firth Of Fifth", from
Genesis
Genesis may refer to:
Bible
* Book of Genesis, the first book of the biblical scriptures of both Judaism and Christianity, describing the creation of the Earth and of mankind
* Genesis creation narrative, the first several chapters of the Book of ...
' 1973 album ''
Selling England by the Pound
''Selling England by the Pound'' is the fifth studio album by the English progressive rock band Genesis, released in September 1973 on Charisma Records. It reached in the United Kingdom and in the United States. A single from the album, " I ...
''. The same year Albar played in ''Laila Majenun'' (''Laila is Possessed''), directed by
Sjumandjaja
Sjumandjaja ( Perfected Spelling: Syumanjaya; 5 August 1933 – 19 July 1985) was an Indonesian director, screenwriter, and actor. During his career he wrote numerous films, directed fourteen, acted in ten, and produced nine; he also won ...
; "Huma di atas Bukit" was used as its theme song.
Duo Kribo and other projects
The following year, Albar recorded "Neraka Jahanam" ("Blasted Hell"), a duet with Ucok Harahap released on an album of the same name; the two called themselves Duo Kribo, based on their frizzy hair. The titular song was based in the concept of
original sin
Original sin is the Christian doctrine that holds that humans, through the fact of birth, inherit a tainted nature in need of regeneration and a proclivity to sinful conduct. The biblical basis for the belief is generally found in Genesis 3 (t ...
. That same year he recorded "Jelaga" ("Soot"), a winner of
Prambors FM
Prambors FM (formerly known as Prambors Rasisonia and 102,3 FMANIA) is a commercial contemporary hit radio based in Jakarta, Indonesia. Launched on March 18, 1971 in Jakarta, the purpose of station was to play pop music with their target audie ...
's Teenage Song Writing Competition.
Duo Kribo released their second album, ''Pelacur Tua'' (''Old Prostitute)'', in 1978. Albar was then invited by
Guruh Soekarnoputra to perform the song "Anak Jalanan" ("Street Children") at Guruh's Swara Mahardhika concert; it ran from 6 to 7 January 1979. Later in 1979 he and Harahap released their third album, ''Panggung Sandiwara'' (''Theatre Stage''), featuring compositions by former God Bless member
Ian Antono
Jusuf Antono Djojo or Ian Antono, born Jauw Hian Ling, (born October 29, 1950 in Malang, Indonesia) is an Indonesian guitarist and songwriter. He has collaborated with many other musicians, including Anggun, Iwan Fals, Nicky Astria, Doel Sumb ...
and lyrics by poet
Taufiq Ismail. He also recorded a
dangdut
Dangdut () is a genre of Indonesian folk music that is partly derived and fused from Hindustani, Arabic and to lesser extent, Malay and local folk music. Dangdut is a most popular musical genre in Indonesia and a very popular in other Malay w ...
album, ''Zakia'', that year; the album featured six compositions by Albar and three by other artists, including Antono and
Titiek Puspa
Sudarwati (born 1 November 1937), better known by her stage name Titiek Puspa, is an Indonesian singer and songwriter. ''Rolling Stone Indonesia'' has selected two of her songs as some of the best Indonesian songs of all time.
Biography
Puspa wa ...
.
Albar later appeared in the film ''Irama Cinta'' (''Rhythm of Love'') along with dangdut singer
Elvy Sukaesih
Elvy Sukaesih (born June 25, 1951 in Jakarta) is one of the most popular dangdut singers in Indonesia, and has been dubbed the Queen of Dangdut. Sukaesih has a significant fan base in other Asian countries such as Japan. She has been a prolifi ...
; the pair sang five songs together. Afterwards, in 1980, God Bless released their second album, ''Cermin'' (''Mirror''). With God Bless later going into limbo, Albar recorded two solo albums, ''Dunia Huru-Hara'' (''World of Commotion'') and ''Syair Kehidupan'' (''Poems of Life''); he also recorded an album with
Fariz RM, entitled ''Secita Cerita'' (''An Idea for a Story''). In 1983, Albar sang "Rahasia Semesta" ("Secret of the Universe") at the 11th National Pop Music Festival.
In early 1990, Albar formed Gong 2000 with Yaya Muktio, Harry Anggoman, Donny Fattah, and Ian Antono. Their first concert, held in
Senayan, Jakarta, on 26 October 1991, attracted 100,000 viewers. Together the group released four albums, ''Bara Timur'' (''Ember of the East''; 1991), ''Gong Live'' (1992), ''Laskar'' (''Screen''; 1993), and ''Prahara'' (''Tempest''; 2000). During the same period he was still active with God Bless, releasing ''Semut Hitam'' (''Black Ants''; 1988), ''Raksasa'' (''Monster''; 1989), and ''Apa Kabar?'' (''What's Up?''; 1997).
Focus on God Bless
In 2003, Albar and Jockie had a large fight which led to Jockie leaving the group. According to a 2011 interview with Jockie, Jockie and some fellow band members had been discussing Albar's drug habit when they decided to ask Albar to abandon drugs. When Jockie did so, Albar reportedly pulled a pistol on him. Guitarist
Ian Antono
Jusuf Antono Djojo or Ian Antono, born Jauw Hian Ling, (born October 29, 1950 in Malang, Indonesia) is an Indonesian guitarist and songwriter. He has collaborated with many other musicians, including Anggun, Iwan Fals, Nicky Astria, Doel Sumb ...
confirmed that a pistol was involved, but he thought it could be a toy; he stated that the argument flared up when Jockie insulted Albar's family.
On 7 February 2004, Albar and a group of Indonesian performers, including
Glenn Fredly
Glenn Fredly Deviano Latuihamallo (30 September 1975 – 8 April 2020) was an Indonesian R&B singer and songwriter as well as producer and actor. Entering the music industry after winning a singing contest in 1995, he released more than 10 alb ...
, Armand Maulana of
Gigi, and Duta of
Sheila on 7
Sheila on 7 is a pop rock band from Yogyakarta, Indonesia. They have changed their lineup several times since their formation on 6 May 1996. Their first lineup consisted of Akhdiyat Duta Modjo (also known as Duta, vocals), Saktia "Sakti" Ari Seno ...
, held a concert to commemorate the founding of the Malaysian rock band
Search
Searching or search may refer to:
Computing technology
* Search algorithm, including keyword search
** :Search algorithms
* Search and optimization for problem solving in artificial intelligence
* Search engine technology, software for findi ...
. At the end of the concert the singers sang "Rumah Kita" ("Our House"), from ''Semut Hitam''.
In November 2007, Albar was arrested for possessing
ecstasy and hiding a drug dealer. Tried in June 2008, he was convicted and sentenced to eight months in prison. He was paroled in July for good behaviour and counting previous time served.
In the middle of 2009, Albar and God Bless released ''36th''. Later, in October of that year, Albar participated in a tribute concert to
Chrisye
Hajji Chrismansyah Rahadi (; 16 September 1949 – 30 March 2007), born Christian Rahadi (), better known by his stage name Chrisye (), was an Indonesian progressive pop singer and songwriter. In 2011 ''Rolling Stone Indonesia'' declared hi ...
, entitled "Chrisye: A Night to Remember". With God Bless, in mid-2010 he went on a national tour sponsored by PT Multi Bintang Indonesia Niaga. In June 2011, the band performed for
Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock Cafe, Inc. is a British-based multinational chain of theme restaurants, memorabilia shops, casinos and museums founded in 1971 by Isaac Tigrett and Peter Morton in London. In 1979, the cafe began covering its walls with rock and rol ...
Jakarta's 40th anniversary. The following month, from 22 to 24 July 2011, he and God Bless performed at the InterMusic Java Rockin' Land alongside
The Cranberries
The Cranberries were an Irish rock band formed in Limerick, Ireland. Originally named the Cranberry Saw Us, the band were formed in 1989 by lead singer Niall Quinn, guitarist Noel Hogan, bassist Mike Hogan and drummer Fergal Lawler. Quinn was ...
and
Neon Trees
Neon Trees is an American rock band from Provo, Utah. The band received nationwide exposure in late 2008 when they opened several North American tour dates for the band The Killers. Not long after, the band was signed by Mercury Records. Their f ...
.
Legacy
In a 2009 issue, ''Rolling Stone Indonesia'' ranked several songs which Albar sang or wrote as being among the 150 best Indonesian songs of all time. God Bless' song "
Kehidupan" ("Life"), which he sang, was ranked 8th, while "Rumah Kita" ("Our Home") was ranked 22nd. Duo Kribo's song "Neraka Jahanam" was ranked 18th, while "Panggung Sandiwara" was ranked 21st. Gong 2000's song "Kepada Perang" ("To War") was ranked 114th.
Personal life
Albar married Rini S. Bono on 28 April 1978; she had previously acted with him in ''Laila Majenun'', with whom he has three children. They divorced on 30 September 1994. In May 2011 it was reported that he would be marrying Dewi, his girlfriend, while going on the
hajj
The Hajj (; ar, حَجّ '; sometimes also spelled Hadj, Hadji or Haj in English) is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the holiest city for Muslims. Hajj is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried ...
.
Albar is a maternal half-brother of dangdut singer
Camelia Malik
Camelia Malik (born April 22, 1955) is an Indonesian actress and dangdut singer. She is also known as ''Diva Dangdut Jaipong''.
Personal life
Malik had been married to Harry Capri for 24 years when on May 6, 2013 they announced at a press con ...
and father of actor Fachri Albar. His sons Ozzy and Fachri Albar are also musicians, playing in the band Jibriel; his nephew Bagoes is also a member of the band.
References
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Albar, Ahmad
People from Surabaya
God Bless members
1946 births
Living people
Indonesian rock musicians
20th-century Indonesian male singers
Indonesian Muslims
Indonesian people of Yemeni descent
Indonesian people of Moroccan descent
21st-century Indonesian male singers