Indonesia
Jade: Proud to sing for the president
From Semarang, Yedija Nicholas Kurniawidi was given rare opportunity to show his beautiful voice for the president and his ministers in Jakarta.
Hi, Yedija, you look fresh…
Hi, Jade please…
Ok, how long have you been participated in singing contests?
Since i was four. Not just sing, actually. I join a lot of dance and math competitions too. It wasn’t serious at first. Mom signed me up. What do you know, it was my first attempt and won the first place for singing and third for math
What was the first song you sing?
I kinda not remember. But the first song i sang in the competition was Tasya’s “Anak Gembala”. My current favorite song is “Sakitnya Tuh Disini”, hahaha. My favorite singer is Il Divo. People say that ever since a little kid, i always nodding and moving every time i hear music.
And now you take regular singing practice?
I do. I train my vocal with mom and teacher. I try to take every day exercise myself, can’t allow to skip one.
Self exercise, how?
It’s simple. Every day on the way school, i do breathing technique, then i sing 1-2 songs in the car.
Is there not allowed meals for singer?
Oh there are, to keep the vocal cord in shape. I don’t drink ice, no fries including crackers and chocolate. Actually i really love chocolate. It’s just every time i have some, i go uhuk-uhuk. It’s breaking my voice.
What is your most precious experience from singing contest?
I won a safe of Rp 18 million and a vacation trip to Japan. But nothing compared the joy when i was invited to sing in front of (now former) President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) on the National Children Day 2014. It was because i won Festival Lagu Anak (Fesla), held by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economic.
Got a handshake with the president?
Sadly no.
Photos?
Top that.. hahaha. I only sang. But i saw Mr SBY chuckling over watching me on the stage, hihihi. It truly was an experience to remember. I never have imagine to sing in front of the president and his members of his cabinet.
What’s your next target?
I want to win “Indonesian Idol Junior”. I took audition a while back, hit the wall. I only go as far as top 50 from 9700 people.
Any plan of releasing album?
The truth is i already have junior album. The title is “Waktu ku Kecil” volume 1-3. It’s still on the market at Disc Tarra, hehe. It was my childhood album.
Ok, good luck with the album. Keep up the contest spirit!
Thank you.
BIOFACT
Name: Yedija Nicholas Kurniawidi (Jade)
Birth : Semarang, June 21st 2006
School : 3rd Year Karangturi Primary School Semarang
Parents : Felix Kurniawidi Prasetya and Victory Kristiana Dewi
Achievements:
- Number 1 Festival Lagu Anak (Fesla) 2014 held by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economic
- Number 1 Aku Anak Generasi Platinum Multitalenta 2012
- Number 2 national level World Mathematic Championship 2014 in Jakarta
- Silver Medal international level of World Mathematic Championship 2014 in Singapore
HAFIDA INDRAWATI
FOTO: YEDIJA NICHOLAS
