Elfonda "Once" Mekel Or Famously Known As Once Mekel is an Indonesian Musician & Actor
who is popular as the vocalist of the music group Dewa 19. Once joined Dewa 19 in 1999, replacing Ari Lasso as vocalist. Prior to joining the band, he had released solo singles, such as "Juwita Pandang" (1991) and "Anggun" (1999). Once's career then shot to the top of popularity through Dewa's best-selling albums such as Bintang Lima (2000) and Cintinta Cinta (2002). Once has released five albums with Dewa 19. After being successful as a band vocalist, Once has started his solo career through the single "Dealova" (2005) which is the soundtrack for the film of the same name. After the disbandment of Dewa 19 in 2011, Once began to focus on his career as a solo singer. After releasing several singles, he finally launched his first album, titled Once (2012). Once is known as one of the best male vocalists in Indonesia in terms of character and vocal strength. Rolling Stone magazine included Once in "50 Greatest Indonesian Singers", which is a list of 50 best Indonesian singers of all time.
