Festival Lagu populer Indonesia 1987
Composed by Elfa Secioria with lyrics by Wieke Gur, “Kusadari” was performed by Harvey Malaiholo at the FLPI 1987. The song’s emotive melody and poignant lyrics captivated audiences, earning it the Best Song award. Harvey’s soulful rendition also garnered him the Best Singer accolade at the festival.
The second song, “Pesta,” meaning “Party,” is an upbeat track composed by Hentriesa with lyrics by Wieke Gur, performed by Elfa’s Singers. The song’s lively rhythm and celebratory theme resonated with the festival’s audience, also securing it the Best Song award at FLPI 1987.
Beyond its success at FLPI, “Pesta” represented Indonesia at the 1987 ABU Popular Song Contest, organized by the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union. This international exposure highlighted the song’s broad appeal and Indonesia’s vibrant music scene.
Both “Kusadari” and “Pesta” exemplify the rich musical tapestry of Indonesia in the late 1980s, showcasing the collaborative brilliance of composers like Elfa Secioria and lyricists like Wieke Gur. Their enduring popularity underscores their significance in Indonesia’s musical heritage.
1987 ABU Popular Song Contest
“Pesta” represented Indonesia at the 1987 ABU Popular Song Contest, held on September 26, 1987, at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This event marked the final edition of the ABU Popular Song Contest, which was organized by the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) and modeled after the Eurovision Song Contest.
At the 1987 ABU Popular Song Contest, ten countries participated. While “Pesta” did not place in the top three, its inclusion in the contest showcased Indonesia’s dynamic pop music scene and the talents of Elfa’s Singers.
Elfa’s Singers, led by maestro Elfa Secioria, has a legendary reputation in Indonesia and beyond for their intricate vocal arrangements and genre-blending performances. Songs like “Pesta” continue to be revisited by vocal groups and choirs who look up to Elfa’s style. The song’s lyrics, written by Wieke Gur, carry a joyful and unifying message that remains timeless—about celebration, togetherness, and spirit. This kind of positivity resonates well in school performances and nostalgia-driven TV or music programs.
Viña del Mar International Song Festival, Chile 1987
Viña del Mar International Song Festival is a prestigious annual music competition held in Viña del Mar, Chile, since 1960. It features two main contests: the International Contest and the Folklore Contest, with participants from around the world competing for top honors .
“Ayun Langkahmu” was supposed to represent Indonesia at the 1987 Viña del Mar Festival. However, the song was disqualified because it had been previously released in Indonesia, violating the festival’s rule that entries must be unpublished . Despite this setback, Elfa and Wieke’s contributions to Indonesian music were significant, and he continued to gain international recognition for their work