Ebiet G. Ade

Ebiet G. Ade (born April 21, 1955) is an Indonesian singer and songwriter close to the suppressed society. His musical touch has influenced Indonesian pop music. His lyrics are made by himself, he never collaborates with other musicians to arrange the lyrics, but he can collaborate with them to arrange his musical arrangement.

Born as Abdul Gafar Abdullah in Wonodadi, Banjarnegara, he is the youngest son of Aboe Ja'far. He had many desires: engineer, doctor, and painter. But as it turned out, eventually he became a famous singer, although he only wants to be called a poet.

In 1970s, Ebiet was close to Jogjakarta young artist society. It formed his musical style. Close to a prolific artist Emha Ainun Nadjib, he often sang his friend’s poems with his guitar. But, when entering recording studio, he did not sing any of Emha’s songs. Although Ebiet felt sorry to leave Yogyakarta, he concentrated to try his luck and natural talent in Jakarta. The recording of his songs were successful. He recorded in the Philipines to get the better recording. But he refused to record his songs in Japanese, when he had a chance to have a concert there.

Married with Yayuk Sugianto (Iis Sugianto’s old sister), in 1982, he has 4 sons: Abietyasakti Ksatria Kinasih, Adaprabu Hantip Trengginas, Byatuasa Pakarti Hinuwih, and Segara Banyu Bening. They lived in Ciganjur, Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta. In his house Ebiet raises about 20 birds.

Later, he recorded in Colombia Records, the United States. Ebiet also involved Adie MS and Jimmy Manoppo to assist his music.

Ebiet was chosen as the favorite singer of ABRI Radio Broadcasting (1989-1992), BASF Awards winner 1984 until 1988, and the best singer in 1997 Indonesian Musical Awards.

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Ebiet G. Ade

**Full Name:** Abid Ghoffar Aboe Dja’far

**Date of Birth:** April 21, 1954

**Place of Birth:** Wanadadi, Banjarnegara, Central Java, Indonesia

**Profession:** Singer-songwriter, Poet

**Genres:** Pop, Ballad, Folk, Country

**Overview:**

Ebiet G. Ade is an influential Indonesian singer-songwriter known for his poetic lyrics and melodic ballads. His music often reflects themes of nature, humanity, social issues, and personal introspection, making him a beloved figure in Indonesian music.

**Early Life:**

Ebiet G. Ade was born in a small village in Central Java. From an early age, he showed a deep interest in music and poetry. He was influenced by Western musicians such as Bob Dylan, James Taylor, and Simon & Garfunkel, which shaped his musical style.

**Career Highlights:**

1. **Debut Album:** Ebiet released his first album, "Camellia I," in 1979. The album was a huge success, marking the beginning of his prolific career. The "Camellia" series continued with subsequent albums, further solidifying his position in the Indonesian music industry.

2. **Songwriting:** Ebiet is known for writing his own songs, which are deeply poetic and often address social and environmental issues. His lyrics are celebrated for their literary quality and emotional depth.

3. **Popular Songs:** Some of his most famous songs include "Berita Kepada Kawan," "Camellia," "Untuk Kita Renungkan," "Titip Rindu Buat Ayah," and "Cinta Sebening Embun." These songs have become timeless classics in Indonesian music.

4. **Themes:** Ebiet's songs frequently touch on themes of love, nature, societal concerns, and spirituality. He is praised for his ability to capture the essence of human emotions and experiences in his music.

5. **Collaborations:** Throughout his career, Ebiet has collaborated with various Indonesian musicians and artists, further enriching the country's musical landscape.

**Impact and Legacy:**

Ebiet G. Ade's contributions to Indonesian music have been significant. He is considered a pioneer in the genre of Indonesian pop and folk music, and his work has inspired many contemporary musicians. His songs remain popular across generations, and he continues to be a respected figure in the music community.

**Personal Life:**

Ebiet is known for his private and introspective nature. Despite his fame, he has managed to maintain a relatively low profile, focusing more on his music and poetry than on public appearances.

**Awards and Recognitions:**

Over his long career, Ebiet G. Ade has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to music and culture. His work has not only garnered commercial success but also critical acclaim, cementing his status as a legendary artist in Indonesia.

In summary, Ebiet G. Ade is a celebrated Indonesian singer-songwriter whose music and poetry have left an indelible mark on the nation's cultural landscape. His thoughtful and evocative lyrics, combined with his melodic compositions, continue to resonate with listeners, making him an enduring icon in Indonesian music.