Anggun facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Anggun
Anggun in 2014
Born	Anggun Cipta Sasmi (1974-04-29) 29 April 1974 (age 51) Jakarta, Indonesia
Other names	Anggun C. Sasmi
Citizenship	Indonesia France
Occupation	Singer songwriter producer actress television personality
Years active	1983–present
Spouse(s)	Michel Georgea ​ ​ (m. 1992; div. 1999)​ Olivier Maury ​ ​ (m. 2004; div. 2006)​ Cyril Montana ​ ​ (m. 2006; div. 2014)​ Christian Kretschmar ​ (m. 2018)​
Children	1
Musical career
Genres	Pop rock world R&B electropop urban hard rock glam metal
Instruments	Vocals piano
Labels	April Earth Universal Sony TF1 Musique Warner
Signature

Anggun Cipta Sasmi (born 29 April 1974), known simply as Anggun, is a famous Indonesian-French singer, songwriter, and TV star. She was born in Jakarta, Indonesia, and started singing when she was just seven years old. Two years later, she recorded her first album for children!

Anggun became very famous in Indonesia in 1989 as a teenage rock star. By 1993, she had released five albums in Indonesian. Her song "Mimpi" was even listed by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the 150 Greatest Indonesian Songs of All Time.

In 1994, Anggun moved to England and then France to become an international artist. Her first international album, Snow on the Sahara (1997), was a huge success, selling over a million copies worldwide. Since then, she has released many more albums in English and French. Her songs like "Snow on the Sahara" and "What We Remember" became hits on the Billboard charts in the United States and Europe. In 2012, she represented France in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 with the song "Echo (You and I)".

Besides music, Anggun has been a judge on popular TV shows like The X Factor, Got Talent, and The Voice in Indonesia and Asia's Got Talent across Asia. She also appeared on the French version of Masked Singer. Anggun has also acted in films and TV series. She is a global ambassador for the United Nations, working with the International Year of Microcredit and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Anggun is one of the most successful Asian artists outside of Asia. Her music has earned gold and platinum awards in many European countries. She is the first Indonesian artist to have success on European and American music charts. She has received many awards, including the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French Government and the World Music Award for World's Best-Selling Indonesian Artist. She is also the first Indonesian woman to have a wax figure at Madame Tussauds.

Life and Career Highlights

Early Life and Indonesian Success (1974–1993)

Anggun was born in Jakarta

Anggun grew up in Jakarta, Indonesia. Her father, Darto Singo, was a writer, and her mother, Dien Herdina, was from a royal family. Anggun's full name means "grace born of a dream" in Balinese. Even though she is Muslim, she went to a Catholic school for a good education.

When she was seven, her father started teaching her to sing every day. Her mother became her manager, helping her find singing opportunities. By age eleven, Anggun was writing her own songs and released her first children's album.

As a teenager, Anggun loved Western rock music. At fourteen, she released her first official album, Dunia Aku Punya (1986). Three years later, she became famous with her song "Mimpi". Her popularity grew even more with "Tua Tua Keladi" (1990), which became a huge hit. She released more albums like Anak Putih Abu Abu (1991) and Nocturno (1992).

By the time she was nineteen, Anggun had sold over four million albums in Indonesia. She felt she had achieved all she could in her home country and wanted to try for an international music career. She later said, "I was tired! There's no challenge anymore."

International Breakthrough with Snow on the Sahara (1994–1999)

In 1994, Anggun released a greatest hits album of her Indonesian songs. She sold her record company to help pay for her move to Europe. She lived in London for about a year and faced some challenges trying to start her new life. She sent many demo songs to record companies, but they all said no.

She then decided to move to France. In 1996, she met French producer Erick Benzi, who had worked with famous artists like Celine Dion. Benzi was impressed by Anggun's talent and offered her a recording deal. She learned French and started working on her first album with Benzi.

In June 1997, Anggun released her first French album, Au nom de la lune. It was very different from her rock style, mixing world music with more adult sounds. The first song, "La neige au Sahara", quickly became a hit in France. It was the most played French song of 1997.

The English version of the album, Snow on the Sahara, was released in 33 countries. Critics praised it as a "promising debut." The song "Snow on the Sahara" became a number one hit in Italy and a top-10 hit in Japan. It was also used in a global ad campaign for a Swiss watchmaker. The album sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide. In the United States, Anggun toured for nine months to promote the album, even opening for artists like The Corrs.

New Sounds and Collaborations (2000–2003)

After her first marriage ended, Anggun worked on her next international album. Her second French album, Désirs contraires (1999), explored new sounds like electropop and R&B. The English version, Chrysalis, was released at the same time and showed Anggun's growth as a songwriter, as she co-wrote the entire album.

The song "Still Reminds Me" from Chrysalis became a hit in Asia and Europe. It was her third number-one hit in Indonesia since starting her international career. In 2000, Anggun was invited by the Vatican to perform at a special Christmas concert with Bryan Adams. She also toured across Asia and Europe.

Anggun collaborated with other artists and worked on movie soundtracks. She sang "Summer in Paris" with DJ Cam and "Deep Blue Sea" with Deep Forest. Her duet with Italian rock singer Piero Pelù, "Amore immaginato", was a big hit in Italy. She also contributed to the soundtrack of the Danish film Open Hearts (2002), earning a nomination for Best Original Song at the Danish Film Academy's Robert Awards.

Luminescence and Elevation (2004–2009)

In 2004, Anggun signed a new record deal in Paris. She released her French single "Être une femme", which became a top-20 hit in France. Her third French album, Luminescence (2005), sold well and was certified Gold. The English version of Luminescence also did well, with "Undress Me" becoming a hit in Italy and the Middle East. The song "Saviour" was used in the movie Transporter 2.

Anggun received the prestigious Ordre des Arts et des Lettres award from the French Minister of Culture for her global achievements. She also became an ambassador for a Swiss watch brand. In 2006, she performed a sold-out concert in Jakarta, Indonesia.

In 2008, Anggun released her fourth international album, Elevation. This album explored urban music and hip hop styles, featuring collaborations with rappers like Pras Michel from the Fugees. The album was a huge success in Indonesia, becoming her fastest-selling album there. She also collaborated with Russian singer Max Lorens on a song for the Russian release.

Anggun continued her work as an ambassador for various brands and environmental projects. She narrated the BBC nature documentary Earth in French.

Eurovision and TV Judge (2010–2013)

In 2010, Anggun collaborated with German musician Schiller on his album Atemlos. Her fifth international album, Echoes, was her first self-produced album. The English version was released in Indonesia in 2011 and quickly became a best-selling pop album.

Anggun was chosen to represent France in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 with the song "Echo (You and I)". She toured many European countries to promote the song. After Eurovision, she continued her concert tour in France and Switzerland.

Anggun in concert at Le Trianon, Paris in June 2012.

In 2013, Anggun became an international judge for the first season of X Factor Indonesia. She was praised for setting a high standard for judges on talent shows. She also joined the judging panel for the TV special X Factor Around the World. Anggun also recorded two duets for the concept album Thérèse – Vivre d'amour, which became a platinum-selling album in France. She performed for Pope Francis at a Christmas concert in Rome.

Anggun received the Taormina Special Award in Italy for her humanitarian work as an FAO Goodwill Ambassador. She also became an ambassador for the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) football club.

Got Talent and Toujours un ailleurs (2014–2016)

Following her success on X Factor Indonesia, Anggun became a judge on Indonesia's Got Talent in 2014. She also re-recorded her hit "La neige au Sahara" as a duet with Tony Carreira.

At the 2014 World Music Awards in Monaco, Anggun received the World's Best-Selling Indonesian Artist award. In June, she launched her first perfume, Grace. She also collaborated with DJ Indyana on "Right Place Right Time", which became the anthem for the Dreamfields Festival in Bali.

In 2015, Anggun became a judge on the first season of Asia's Got Talent alongside David Foster and Melanie C from the Spice Girls. She also received the International Breakthrough Artist Award at the Anugerah Planet Muzik in Singapore. Anggun became an ambassador for the luxury skincare brand SK-II and the charity "Aviation Without Borders".

Anggun's sixth French album, Toujours un ailleurs, was released in November 2015. It returned to a world music style, mixing different cultures. The album was very successful in France and Belgium. The single "Nos vies parallèles" featured French legend Florent Pagny and became a widely played French song worldwide.

TV Projects and 8 (2017–2019)

Anggun continued her tours in France and Belgium. She returned as a judge on the second season of Asia's Got Talent with David Foster and Jay Park.

In October 2017, Anggun released "What We Remember" as the first song from her new album, 8. The album was released in December 2017 and reached number one on iTunes in Indonesia. "What We Remember" became a hit on the US Billboard Dance Club Chart, reaching the Top 10 in the UK, US, Spain, and Germany.

Anggun performed at the opening ceremony of the Asian Games 2018 in Jakarta, singing "Pemuda" on a stage with artificial mountains and waterfalls. She also joined the coaching panel for The Voice Indonesia Season 3. In November 2018, she spent three days with the French Navy on an amphibious assault ship.

In 2019, Anggun toured Italy and performed at a charity concert for the reconstruction of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. She also performed at the Prambanan Jazz Festival in Indonesia. Anggun became a panelist on the French TV show Mask Singer, which became very popular. Her song "Perfect World" also charted on the US Billboard Dance Club Chart. She performed a virtual duet with the legendary tenor Luciano Pavarotti on Asia's Got Talent.

Recent Works and Acting Debut (2020–Present)

In January 2020, Anggun received the Outstanding Contribution to Asian Television Performing Arts award at the Asian Television Awards. She started acting, taking a role in the TV movie Coup de foudre à Bangkok [fr]. She also returned as a panelist for the second season of Mask Singer.

In 2021, Anggun's duet with Luciano Pavarotti on "Caruso" earned her a Duet of the Year award at the BraVo International Classical Music Awards in Moscow. She also lent her voice to the French version of the Disney movie Raya and the Last Dragon, with her daughter Kirana making her first voice acting appearance.

Anggun took on a new challenge in 2023, starring in the comedy-musical theater show Al Capone as Lili, Al Capone's mistress. She also performed as a traditional Javanese singer, called a sinden, at a fashion exhibition in Paris, accompanied by gamelan music. In 2022, she became a brand ambassador for a Swiss luxury skincare brand.

Artistry and Musical Style

Anggun playing piano during her 2006 concert in Bandung, Indonesia.

Anggun has a powerful voice that critics describe as "husky" and "distinctive." A Billboard writer once said, "Vocally, Anggun is a fortress of power." She started writing songs at age twelve.

She began her career as a rock singer in Indonesia, inspired by bands like Guns N' Roses and Metallica. After becoming famous internationally, she showed her versatility by trying different musical styles, from jazz to pop. She listens to a wide range of artists, from The Beatles to Bruno Mars. Anggun also studied Balinese dance as a child and uses it in her performances.

Anggun's success in Europe and America has opened doors for other Asian singers. She is often called the "Voice of Asia" and a great ambassador for Indonesia. She believes it's important for people to learn more about Asia, not just as a vacation spot.

Other Activities

Helping Others

Since 1997, Anggun has actively supported many good causes. She works to fight AIDS, promote understanding between different cultures, and protect the environment.

Global Ambassador

Anggun was chosen as a spokesperson for the International Year of Microcredit, a United Nations program that helps people in poorer countries. In 2009, she became a FAO Goodwill Ambassador for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which is part of the United Nations. She has spoken at UN headquarters in New York and China to raise awareness about world hunger.

Writing

Anggun shares her thoughts on important issues, especially in Indonesia, on online platforms like Qureta.com and DW. She writes about social topics, humanity, and tolerance.

Personal Life

Anggun was raised Muslim and believes in tolerance. She has been married four times. She has one daughter named Kirana Cipta Montana, born in 2007. In 2018, she married Christian Kretschmar, a German musician and photographer, in Bali.

Besides her native Indonesian, Anggun speaks French and English very well.

Paris Burglary Incidents

Anggun's apartment in Paris has been robbed twice. In September 2015, thieves stole jewelry and valuable items. In December 2021, while she was on vacation, burglars broke in again and stole luxury items like bags and watches.

Discography

Filmography

Film

• Un jour sur Terre (Earth) (2007): as narrator
• Ces amours-là (What War May Bring) (2010): as cameo
• Peuples autochtone: Notre Combat (2015): as narrator
• Les Pensées de Paul (2015): as cameo
• Silent Night: A Song for the World (2020)
• Coup de foudre à Bangkok [fr] (2020)
• Raya and the Last Dragon (Raya et le dernier Dragon) (2021)
• Para Perasuk [id] (2025)

Television Program, Series, and Reality Show

• Operet Lebaran di Gang Kelinci (1984)
• Sessions at West 54th (1997)
• The Rosie O'Donnell Show (1998)
• Les Enfoirés: Dernière Édition avant l'an 2000 [fr] (1999)
• E-Classement [fr] (2011): as host
• On a tout essayé (2005)
• Hit Machine (2006, 2022)
• 93 Fauborg Saint-Honoré (2006)
• Star Academy (2005, 2008, 2024)
• Muppets TV (2006)
• Star Academy Arabia (2007 & 2008)
• Akademi Fantasia (2007 & 2009)
• Les femmes en chansons (2008)
• Miss France (2008 & 2015)
• La Boîte à Musique (2009)
• Chabada (2011, 2012, 2013)
• Village Départ (2011, 2013, 2015, 2016)
• Téléthon (2011)
• N'oubliez pas les paroles (2011)
• MasterChef Indonesia (season 3) (2013): as guest
• X Factor Indonesia (season 1) (2013)
• Indonesia's Got Talent (season 2) (2014)
• Le Grand Show (2014)
• Le plus grand cabaret du monde (2014)
• Du côte chez Dave (2014, 2015, 2016)
• Asia's Got Talent (2015 - 2019)
• Pondok Pak Cus (2015-2016)
• 50 minutes inside (2015, 2020, 2022)
• Touche pas à mon poste! (2015, 2018)
• Les Grands du rire (2015, 2016)
• Stars sous hypnose (2015, 2016, 2022)
• Gala de l'Union (2016) as Morticia Addams
• Money Drop (2016)
• Le Grand Blind Test (2016)
• Même le dimanche (2016, 2017)
• Folie Passagère (2016)
• Dan Late Show (2017)
• Tonight Show (2017)
• DiCaire Show (2017)
• The Voice Indonesia (season 3) (2018)
• Notre-Dame de Paris, le grand concert (2019)
• Les Années bonheur [fr]
• Mask Singer (Le Chanteur Masqué) (2019 - 2022, 2024 (Christmas Edition))
• 300 choeurs pour + de vie
• Good Singers [fr] (season 1 & 3) (2020 & 2022)
• AXN All Stars (2020)
• Tous en cuisine avec Cyril Lignac (2020)
• les Reines du Shopping spéciale Célébrités (2021)
• Merci Line (2021)
• Chantant Aznavour (2021)
• Allez viens je t'emmène dans les années Pop (2021)
• Duos Mystere (2021)
• Cuisine ouverte avec Anggun (2021)
• La boîte à secrets (2021, 2023)
• La chanson secrète (2021, 2023)
• Spectaculaire: avec Anggun (France 2) (2022)
• Léo Matteï, Brigade des mineurs [fr; it] (season 9) (2022)
• Le livre favori des Français (2022)
• Danse avec les stars (season 12) (2022)
• Stéréo Club (2022)
• La vie secrète des chansons avec Anggun (two episodes) (2022)
• Cannes Confidential (2023)
• StarMaker (season 1) (2023)
• Dream Team, la relève des Stars (season 1) (2023)
• Un voyage en langue française (2023)
• Avec Florent Pagny, tout le monde ELA (2023)
• The Voice Senior Italy (season 4) (2024)
• La Voix (season 10) (2024)
• Un dimanche à la campagne Avec Anggun (2024)
• Télématin (2024)
• Viva Rai2! (2024)
• Les Enfants de la télé (2024)

Musical Theatre

• Al Capone & Les Incorruptibles as Lili (2023)
• Jesus Christ Superstar as Maria Magdalena (2024)

Radio Programme

• Les pieds dans le plat (Europe 1) (2015 - 2016): as columnist
• Les Grosses Têtes (2024): as guest

Online Series

• SK-II: Beauty Bound Indonesia (2016)
• Profession Comédien (2019)

Soundtrack

Accolades

Images for kids

• 

  Anggun at Fete de l'Espoir, Geneva, Switzerland, in May 2005

• 

  Anggun performing in Hannover, Germany, during the Schiller's Atemlos Tour in May 2010.

• 

  Anggun in Paris, France, on 25 April 2015.

• 

  Siti Nurhaliza and her guest artists for Dato' Siti Nurhaliza & Friends concert. From left, Faizal Tahir, Sonaone, Joe Flizzow, Afgansyah Reza, Siti Nurhaliza, Anggun, Jaclyn Victor, Cakra Khan dan Hafiz Suip.

See also

In Spanish: Anggun para niños