Tompi

The Jakarta Post   |  Tue, 04/29/2008 3:59 PM  |  Firm Favourites

Singer Tompi recently welcomed two new additions. At the end of 2007, his wife gave birth to a son, an event the plastic surgeon says has changed his priorities. “I now feel that there is something that has to be taken care, something more fixed in my life,” the 29-year-old said at his South Jakarta apartment. “If I’m buying clothes, I’ll think twice about if I really need them, or if I should hold on to the money for the time being.” He also released My Happy Life, which is more jazz-focused than his two previous solo albums. “The reception has been good,” he said. “Friends in the jazz community said to me, ‘why didn’t you do this before?’”

Sunglasses

I wear them when I go out, when I don’t want people to see that I’m sleepy or when I would rather not be recognized, like at the airport when I’m traveling and in a rush. I have about six pairs, of different frames and sizes. This is the smallest and most unique in my opinion. They don’t have to be branded or expensive.

Hat

This is the first hat I bought, my first and favorite one. I have several others of the same color but this one feels just right. I found it at a street stall in Singapore. Most of my hats come from friends when they travel abroad. These are for performances. Usually, if I am just going down to the convenience store or on an errand, I wear a cap.

Drums

I used to be a conga player. This is one of the instruments that I used to play. On my new album, all the percussion is played by me. Playing percussion instruments relaxes me and gives me fresh inspiration.

Cologne

I’ve had several perfumes that are more expensive or cheaper than this, but Thierry Mugler is the one that is right for my body chemistry. You put some types of cologne on, and a bit later they just don’t smell right. I don’t like fragrance that other people are wearing. I like this because it’s masculine, strong and fresh.

Microphone

I’m very proud to have this, it’s so rare to find one in Indonesia. I think I’m the only singer regularly using one for live performances in Indonesia. It’s really important to me. I found it at Plaza Senayan, it was the only one left and it had been on the shelf for a long time.

i-Phone

I’ve used different types but this one is the most practical and has what I need. Everything is made easy. I used to have just one number for everybody, but recently I had to change that, because I was getting lots of miscalls late at night. As a doctor, I have to keep my phone on. I think it’s just some teenagers playing around, but it wakes up the baby and he can’t get back to sleep. I tried everything, from speaking politely to swearing at them, but nothing worked.

Laptop

It’s so practical. I was able to do the entire album on this. And I can take it everywhere. It’s my very own mobile digital recording.

Fruit

I love fruit, especially papaya and dragon fruit. There has to be fruit in the house. I don’t want to snack because I’m getting fat as I get older. I used to like fried bananas, cheese and cassava, but no more.

As told to Bruce Emond
Photos: Arief Suhardiman

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