Ahmad Dhani: Six Years We Don't Have a Job, Once Keeps Singing Dewa 19 Songs, Show Me the Money!

Dream - Ahmad Dhani said that Dewa 19 has had few jobs since Once decided to leave in 2010. Meanwhile, Once's solo career is thriving by performing Dewa 19 songs.

"For six years, we have had no Dewa 19 jobs, but Once continues to perform Dewa 19 songs," said Ahmad Dhani in Jakarta, recently.

That's why Ahmad Dhani demanded proof of royalties from Once for performing Dewa 19 songs during performances. Once admitted to paying royalties.

"I want to demand it, he said there are royalties, where's the proof? Show me the money," said Ahmad Dhani.

According to Ahmad Dhani, Once has never paid royalties to Dewa 19, either through event organizers or the National Collective Management Agency (LMKN). Because until now, he hasn't received the payment.

"Yes, where's the proof? There is none. In my opinion, Once is hiding behind the event organizer," said Dhani.

Ahmad Dhani cannot accept that Dewa 19 songs are sung by Once alone because he can earn a large fee. Meanwhile, he, who has composed many Dewa 19 songs, doesn't earn anything.

"If accumulated until now, maybe Once could have earned billions if he was paid Rp100 million for one show," said Ahmad Dhani. (x)

Once Mekel Responds to Ahmad Dhani's Ultimatum Prohibiting Him from Performing Dewa 19 Songs

Dream - Once Mekel finally spoke out about Ahmad Dhani's ultimatum prohibiting him from singing Dewa 19 songs. He regrets Ahmad Dhani's attitude that seems to corner him.

According to Once, Ahmad Dhani could have expressed his dissatisfaction in an elegant manner. Not by making statements to shape public opinion.

"In my opinion, Dhani as a politician, at least that's what is recognized, should take communicative and elegant steps through constructive channels if there is dissatisfaction," said Once Mekel quoted from Liputan6.com, Friday, March 31, 2023.

"Not by making statements that steer public opinion as if Once is at fault. Because previously he said the event organizer was at fault, and suddenly he forbids me from singing Dewa songs," added Once.

Once Mekel also clarified that he is not just a singer in Dewa 19, but he also contributed as a songwriter, even if only for one song.

Photo: @oncemekelofficial

"I want to clarify here, I don't just perform Dewa songs. I also co-wrote them, the song Cemburu. I co-wrote it with Dhani, he wrote the lyrics," said Once Mekel.

According to Once Mekel, there is nothing to worry about with the big name of Dewa 19. Moreover, he is currently just a male soloist.

"I don't think it's a problem for me to perform that song. And it's not a competition with Dewa. It means that Dewa, who is already that big, how can I compete with them," he said.

This 52-year-old man is grateful for his music career at this time. According to him, Dewa 19 will not feel loss if he performs one or two of their songs. Moreover, he does it according to the applicable rules.

Photo: @oncemekelofficial

"I feel satisfied playing to my fans. Coming to my concert, maybe they like one or two Dewa songs. I don't feel that it's detrimental to Dewa if I do this in the context of existing rules, royalty payments are already made through LMKN," said Once Mekel.

Previously, Ahmad Dhani strongly prohibited Once Mekel from performing Dewa 19 songs during solo concerts or off-air or on-air events, without his band.

"I announce, I forbid Once to sing Dewa 19 songs. Since I said it in the media today, I forbid Once Mekel or Elfonda Once to sing Dewa 19 songs," said Ahmad Dhani in North Jakarta, Tuesday, March 28, 2023.

Dhani issued the ban because Dewa 19 is currently on a tour around Indonesia. According to him, after Eid, Dewa 19's schedule is packed, they can perform twice a week.

Therefore, Dhani wants Dewa 19 songs to only be performed by his band. "So there should be no other concerts that interfere, that use Dewa 19 songs. Once is prohibited from singing Dewa songs for his concerts," he said.

However, AL Ghazali's father still allows Once to perform his own songs, which are not sung by Dewa 19.

"Other Dhani songs are allowed, but Dewa 19 songs are not allowed. My songs in T.R.I.A.D, Ahmad Band, are allowed. Specifically, Dewa 19 songs are not allowed," he said.