12 Facts About Fariz RM

Fariz RM is the uncle of Indonesian singer-songwriter, Sherina Munaf.

Fariz RM's father, Roestam Munaf was an entrepreneur from Tanah Datar, West Sumatra and his mother, Anna Reijnenberg was a piano teacher of Dutch-Betawi descent.

Fariz RM began studying music at age five, beginning with classical piano and later studying the blues.

Fariz RM is best known for his songs "Barcelona" and "Sakura".

In 1977, Fariz RM joined the Prambors FM Song Writing Contest for adolescents, finishing in the top ten.

In 1979, Fariz RM released his first album Selangkah ke Seberang.

In 2001, Fariz RM was among prominent individuals summoned by the Jakarta Police and questioned for their alleged links to Aceh Referendum Information Center and questioned in relation to the bombing of an Acehnese dormitory in Setiabudi in May of that year.

Fariz RM expressed concern for Acehnese refugees, to whom he was prepared to donate some proceeds of record sales.

Fariz RM was arrested for marijuana possession in 2007, he was sentenced to eight months in prison and rehab.

In 2009, Fariz RM wrote and published Living in Harmony, a book on his life and influences, with Budianto Shambazy and Salomo Simanungkalit as editors.

Fariz RM's influences include The Beatles, Pink Floyd, The Police, Marvin Gaye, and Claude Debussy.

Fariz RM enjoys reading and has stated that he prefers small concerts, feeling "ashamed" when one of his concerts caused road congestion.