Biography
Who is Iwan Fals?
Early life and real name
Virgiawan Listanto was born in Jakarta, Indonesia, on September 3, 1961. He grew up with parents named Harsoyo and Lies Suudijah. His father worked as a soldier.
He attended SMP Negeri 5 Bandung and SMAK BPK Bandung before studying at Sekolah Tinggi Publisistik. He later continued his education at the Jakarta Institute of Arts. As a teenager, he earned money as a street musician performing at social events and small wedding ceremonies.
Musical career and groups
At age 18, Iwan Fals joined a group called Amburadul with Toto Gunarto, Helmi, Bambang Bule, and Kakek Jagonk. They released the album Perjalanan in 1979. This group eventually disbanded, and he later recorded comedy albums after winning a country singing contest. His early comedy releases included the mini-album Canda Dalam Nada.
In 1981, he signed with Musica Studio for his solo debut, Sarjana Muda. This album featured the well-known track Guru Oemar Bakrie. He followed this with the album Opini in 1982, which included the song Galang Rambu Anarki. He released several other albums during the 1980s, such as Sumbang, Barang Antik, and Sugali.
Songwriting and musical style
His music spans genres including folk, country, and protest songs. He has been compared to Bob Dylan due to his use of the harmonica and political lyrics. Songs like Kamu Sudah Gila and Apa Kamu Sudah Jadi Tuhan criticized the New Order regime. He also wrote observational songs about social issues, such as the Bintaro train crash in the song 1910.
Beyond political themes, he is known for romantic music. Some of his famous love songs include Yang Terlupakan and Mata Indah Bola Pingpong. He has also recorded many hits written by other songwriters, such as Kemesraan and Aku Bukan Pilihan. His work often blends traditional elements with rock or pop styles.
Personal life and fan club
He lives in Cibubur, West Java, with his wife, Rosanna. He has three children, including his first son Galang Rambu Anarki and his daughter Annisa Cikal Rambu Basae. His third child is named Rayya Rambu Robbani.
His large fan base is known as OI. The name originated from his foundation, Yayasan Orang Indonesia. The fan club is currently managed by PT. Tiga Rambu and is led by his wife. Iwan Fals has often held free acoustic performances for these fans at his home.
Birthday and age
Iwan Fals was born on September 3, 1961, which makes Iwan 65 years old today. That birthday falls under the Virgo sign. Iwan shares the date with 55 other famous people.
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