It’s not easy to become the president’s’favorite band, but Jamrud, one of Indo’s most popular recording artists, has turned down 5 invitations from the palace due to a busy schedule. It all started when a year ago, presidential candidate Susilo Bambang Yudoyono (SBY) needed a song for his presidential campaign. Best known amongst his voters as “The Singing General”, SBY who happened to love Jamrud’s song “Pelangi di Matamu” (Rainbows in Your Eyes), had chosen this as his campaign theme. Now that he’s been elected, SBY, who also happens to be a big fan of the group, would like to show his gratitude by inviting the blokes to his palace. Unfortunately, when the invitations came, they were always too busy. “It is not because we don’t want to come, I mean, who wouldn’t be proud to be invited by the number one man of the country,” explained Log Zhelebour, Jamrud’s promoter. “The invitation already came 5 times, but always at the last minute when they were scheduled for something equally as important. Next time, perhaps it will be more successful if we organize the time better, rather than calling us at the last minute!” he warned. “Remember, Jamrud is based in Bandung, not Jakarta. It takes time to organize everything.” Hmm… I guess even a president needs to book for a meet and greet with superstars.

REZA’S NO SHOW ON A POETRY READING

Where is Reza? Where could she be? The Indo diva has been receiving enormous media attention receintly thanks to her troubling divorce with celebrity actor turns politician Adjie Masaid. On Thursday December 9, 2004, Reza was scheduled for a poetry reading for Ratih Sanggarwati’s new poetry book called “Bila Ibu Boleh Memilih” (If a Mother Could Choose). After a very long wait for the organizer and guests (and of course, a group of hungry paparazzi), it was finally accepted that she was not going to show up after all. Reza, who was supposed to read poetry alongside other celebrities like Inneke Koesherawati, Astri Ivo, and Nugie, confused Ratih Sanggarwati as the host since no news came from her at all, even until the show finish. Maybe she’s avoiding the press? Questions can be tough when you are not ready with the answers. Her ex-husband Adjie accused Reza of cheating on him, claiming that Reza’s affair with the chief of BPPN I Putu Gede Ary Suta is the reason behind the divorce, while Reza claims that Adjie was an abusive husband. Both deny everything of course so for now, who’s right and who’s wrong? Only heaven knows.

ERWIN GUTAWA’S FIRST PLATINUM EVER

We’ve been familiar with him and his brilliant works for more than a decade now,; but it took until now for him to win his first platinum as a recording artist. On Thursday December 9, 2004, Sony Music Indonesia rewarded the super talented musician, producer, composer and orchestrator Erwin Gutawa with his first ever platinum. Erwin successfully sold 200.000 copies of his self-produced remake of the album Salute to Koes Plus/Bersaudara. Erwin, who started his musical carrier as one of the members of the dynamic Karimata Band, is a very productive artist with projects ranging from Chrisye’s albums to helping Krisdayanti with her musical tours. “Nobody really gave me platinum as the album’s producer, although the singer almost always won something.” he reasoned. “That’s why I would like to thank Koes Plus’ management and Sony Music for giving me this opportunity to re-produce Koes Plus’s 70’s hits. It is the best work of my life and I am so happy that people appreciate my work by buying this album.” Erwin is now preparing the live concert of this exciting album alongside his orchestra musicians, which should be ready to perform by next year.