Anggun: ‘The Grace Created in a Dream’

If the Philippines’ most popular "export" is Lea Salonga and Singapore’s is Anita Sarawak and Thailand’s is Tata Young (featured in a cover story in the latest issue of Time magazine along with other Eurasian achievers), guess who Indonesia has to offer the music world — yes, Anggun (full name: Anggun Cipta Sasmi).

The name may not ring so many bells hereabouts, even if she has been here twice to promote her albums, but in Europe and America, Anggun keeps not just bells but the cash register ringing — and how!

Born on April 29, 1974, Anggun began performing onstage at age 7. From 1983 to 1994, Anggun sold more than four million albums in Indonesia and then she left for London to embark on an international singing career, recording (but not completing) four songs with Ian Mussington (Keziah Jones). In 1997, Columbia/Sony Music France released her album Au Nom de la Lune (In the Name of the Moon), the international version of which (titled simply Anggun) sold more than one million in 33 countries.

There was no stopping for Anggun since then. So far, she has sold more than 100,000 albums in the USA; got a "gold record" award in France (and the widest play of the year for a single — 7,500 plays); scored a double-platinum album/single in Canada, England and Germany; and made hits in other parts of Europe, including Asia.

Anggun will have a showcase on Wednesday, April 25, at Hard Rock Café in Makati as part of the promo for her latest album Chrysalis (available on CD and cassettes under Sony Music).

Funfare did a brief phone interview last week with Anggun (from Paris). Here are excerpts:

What are your expectations on your third visit?

"I’m expecting the fans to be there and that they know the songs by heart so we can sing them together. I’m just hoping that the people will enjoy the show."

You’ve been based in Paris for years. How often do you go to Indonesia?

"Not so often because I’m very, very busy. The last time I was there was in October last year, and my visit coincided with the Asian promo for my album. I got to see my family for only two days."

I understand that your family is based in Indonesia and you’re living alone in Paris. Do you still get homesick?

"No, I don’t get homesick but I do miss my family. It’s been five years since I’ve been living here. It was my choice to leave my family and my country. It’s impossible for me to remain in my country and realize my dream of pursuing an international career. Besides, I don’t think that you should live forever with your family. You have somehow to be with yourself and be independent. I made that decision when I was 20."

You are not an only child, are you?

"No. We are five brothers and sisters. I’m No. 2."

You are a Javanese Princess, aren’t you?

"My mother is from Java, she’s from a noble family. But she lost her title when she married my father. I never lived the life of a princess, although I wish I did."

How long have you been singing?

"Since I was 7."

A singing princess?

"Not a real princess… But I’m a princess to my mom. My sister is a princess. That’s it. I don’t see any need for a title in today’s life, in aristocracy. I think a title is just blah-blah."

Does Anggun mean anything in Indonesian language?

"Anggun means grace…grace created in dream."

"It’s not easy for an Asian to make it in the international (music) scene. What were some of the difficulties that you encountered up the ladder of success?

"I don’t think there’s any barrier because you are Asian. In fact, I think because I am Asian, a lot of doors are opened for me. What counts is not your nationality but talent and hard work. And then, there is the factor of luck."

And the right connections, too.

"Well, when I first came to Paris, I didn’t have any connection; I didn’t know anybody. I didn’t even know the (French) language! But you know, you just have to try because if you don’t try you don’t get anything."

Why Paris and not America?

"I don’t want to start in America because I come from a country with a lot of history. So I have to be in a country with also a lot of history. America is a new country, you know. I chose Paris even if many people in my country are very American."

Have you retained your religion?

"I was born a Muslim but I went to a Catholic school and I’m now learning Buddhism. For me, the most important thing is not what religion you believe in but how you do things, how you live your life… that you believe in God. It doesn’t matter how you call your God as long as you believe in God. That’s the most important thing."

How different is Chrysalis from your past albums?

"How different? First of all, I wrote every song in this album."

What’s your favorite number on this album?

"I don’t have any favorite number because in that way, if I choose a favorite, I won’t be fair. I love every song that I write."

What about a song by other singers? Do you have any favorite?

"Oh, a lot!"

Name three.

"Three? Okay. One is Fall at Your Feet by Guarded House. There’s also Fragile by Sting. The third is Dolphins Cry."

Do you have any favorite singer aside from yourself?

"I am not my favorite singer. I love Shiela Chandra. I absolutely love Sade and David Bowie."

You’ve been travelling a lot. In the process, haven’t you lost your Asian-ness?

"I don’t think so. I know where I come from. I’m proud of my blood, I’m proud of my identity. The fact that I live in another country gives more reason and sense of identity to my songs. Nothing can change the way I am."