Sujiwo Tejo Biography

This former journalist decided to change his direction in life totally to the arts in 1998, which was marked by the launching of his first album Pada Suatu Ketika, which received positive reaction from the market.

The concept, words as music, made his album quite phenomenal in the Indonesian music industry. Although his long lyrics were in the Javanese language, it was not only Javanese people who appreciated his album. Indeed, he was considered to be a cross-cultural artist.

Besides being a singer, he is also a traditional wayang puppeteer, a musician, a theatre & film actor, director and an author. In the field of music, he has succeeded to mix traditional and modern music. He blends traditional music with modern instruments, such as his virtuoso playing on the saxophone, harmonica, violin, cello, trumpet, trombone and accordion.

As an actor he has demonstrated his ability of doing various characters in films, television movies, and of course on stage. As an author he has published "Kelakar Madura Buat Gus Dur", "Dalang Edan" and "The Sax".

The term ‘cross-cultural artist’ easily refers to his artistic roaming that starts in the ethnic arts of the past, such as wayang, to the modern arts, such as contemporary music, film or performances.

Giving workshops in acting and puppet mastery is one way for him to pass on his knowledge. As the composer of our musical shows he injects his brilliant ideas into the EKI Dance Company. He also gives acting classes to all our resident dancers.

His artistic achievements have affected not only the national but also the global scene. His discography includes Pada Suatu Ketika (1998) and Pada Sebuah Ranjang (1999), he also composed several musical arrangements for EKI performances, and he finished his next album Syair Dunia Maya (2005).

Some of the EKI’s performances in which he was involved as an actor, singer, director or music composer are: Ken Dedes (1997) Wayang A Capella Lakon Bisma Gugur (1999) Laki-Laki (1999) Orang-Orang Ketiga (2000) Madame Dasima (2001) Forbidden Passion (2002) Gallery of Kisses (2002) China Moon (2003) Lovers and Liars (2004) Battle of Love (2005) Freakin' Crazy You (2006) April 2006.

Start from September 2006 also conduct monthly stage performance called: "KabaretJo" an Indonesian acronym which means "laugh with Tejo".