Bhutan Music Blog

Introspection: Music Review

2011-10-16T20:34:00.001+06:00

A musical album called ‘Introspection’, a musical tribute, was launched yesterday coinciding with the royal wedding at the Clock Tower square in Thimphu.

The debut album by Pelden Dorji, a 29-year-old singer, songwriter and musician, contains 12 Dzongkha songs covering themes like love, friendship, lessons, strength, weaknesses, and life itself.

The album dwells on inspiration drawn from people and places, and often romanticises the beauty of being ordinary.

The unilateral genre-defying album has everything in it ranging from pop, rock, jazz, zhungdra and boedra to fusion and some eerie experimental tunes.

“It is dedicated to all the listeners and they can expect something new, fresh and surprising take to Bhutanese music,” said Pelden.

The album comes after almost five years of self-recording in his home studio, which he set up while working on the basics of audio engineering.

Supplementary music also shoots out from a collaboration of many other contributing artists like Tshering Dorji (from Kolors), Shovon Mukherjee from Kolkata, Mikial Buis from the Netherlands, Ata Yeshey (local music producer) and Wendy Garrity from Australia.

The album is co-produced by Gangchu Kinley Wangchu and Pelden D.

Pelden Dorji from Thimphu was one of the founding members of the local band ,Mystic Revival.

His earlier works as a music composer include songs like Extra Mile for the Ministry of Agriculture, Log Wongna (Kencho Wangdi’s) and Garbage Collector for a documentary called The Boy of Good Waste.

Pelden is committed to his own musicianship, and he hopes to contribute to the evolving music style and provide more inspiration and exposure for today’s young musicians.

Before taking up music as a full-time activity in 2010, Pelden worked for the Tourism Council of Bhutan as a researcher and project manager.

Pelden is married with two daughters.

By karma Palden

Source: Bhutan Observer

Druk Superstar viewers casts more than 800,000 sms votes

2011-07-16T21:24:00.001+06:00

As Druk Superstar singing show moves into the top 10 phase, more SMS votes are expected to come in. Until now, viewers have cast more than 800,000 votes worth Nu 4 million.

One SMS vote costs Nu 5. Telephone service providers – Bhutan Telecom and TashiCell – take 50 percent of the revenue generated from the votes while the other 50 percent is shared between BBS and the organizer. BBS gets 30 percent and the organizer, 20 percent.

The organizer, Kencho Wangdi, has made Nu 800,000 from the show till date. But he says the amount is hardly enough to support the show.

He says he has to depend on sponsors to keep the show going. Apart from the two main sponsors, Bank of Bhutan and price sponsor Pelden Thermex TMT, there are several companies that sponsor parting gifts for eliminated contestants and accommodation and food for the show’s team while on travel, among others.

Kencho Wangdi says it is difficult – sometimes even discouraging – to organize the show which involves putting up a sound system, presenting gifts for the participants, and fees for the judges. The organiser pays each judge Nu 1,000 per sitting.

Kencho Wangdi says that, in order to promote entertainment in the country, he is hoping for a private TV channel to come up.

Source: Bhutan Observer

Singlem [VIDEO]

2011-07-15T18:53:00.001+06:00

Jigme Drukpa’s Guetue (Homage) - Review

2011-05-12T22:07:00.000+06:00

Veteran singer and Bhutan’s only ethnomusicologist, Jigme Dukpa, is back on a CD album, this time to pay homage. Guetue (homage), the popular singer’s third CD album, comes eight years after his smash hit second Folk Songs from Bhutan.

The album is a tribute to the third Druk Gyalpo, who was a great aficionado and patron of Bhutanese folk songs and dances throughout his reign.

The album was released on May 2 coinciding most fittingly with the birth anniversary of the third Druk Gyalpo.

The eight-tracker album has some of the never-heard-and-never-before-recorded songs. Track one, Taktshang, is a tribute zhungdra song that takes the listener on a pilgrimage to the sacred Taktshang monastery, the glorious Pungthang Dewa Choenpi Phodrang and Tashichhodzong.

Khamsum Yueley Namgyel (track 3) is also a zhungdra that was first performed during the consecration ceremony of Khamsum Yueley Namgyel Chorten in Punakha. The haunting melody celebrates the spread of dharma and peace in all directions.

Tshangpai Bumo (track 6) is a boedra rendered in the typical Bhutanese singing in octave, and describes the many steps involved in wearing ornaments by Bhutanese women. The song was never heard before until Ap Dophu, 74, popularly known as Pungsi Dophu, taught the performers at the Aa-Yang folk group, Thimphu.

The album also contains some of Jigme Dukpa’s older songs like Gomphu Kora, which he composed in 1990 while he was a college student. For the first time ever, a female voice (Druk Star Jampel Yangzom) is added to the song that narrates the joy and experiences of the popular Gomphu Kora Tshechu of Tashiyangtse, where many young people fall in love and celebrate their time at the sacred site blessed by Guru Rinpoche.

Track 4, Karma Lingi Lingtoed, a song about the various stages of weaving a woolen cloth in rural Bhutan, is rendered in octave beautifully as can only the master himself.

Sharchok Gungtang Lam (track 5) is one of the most popular zhungdra that uses mountain as a metaphor and describes the wishes of the singer to return home safely after his pilgrim to Lhasa in Tibet.

Phuchi Phunyi is one of the first songs that Jigme Dukpa learnt as a child in Wongchilu, Wamrong, Trashigang

“This song is one of the most popular folk songs from Dungsam Dosum (Pemagatshel) that recounts the glorious reign of Dungsam Jadrung (Local Lord of Dungsam). This is my favourite song,” says Jigme Dukpa.

The final track (8), Lu Choe Chi Lhada, is the most touching and magnificently rendered in typical Bhutanese style with dranyen and flute. The lyrics was composed by the 70th Je Khenpo HH Trulku Jigme Choeda as a tribute to His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck when Bhutan was going through difficult times during the military operation in the south and east in December 15, 2003.

“There is a clear sign of Bhutan losing both its tangible and intangible culture. This album is a small effort on my part to preserve some of the most sacred and original songs of Bhutan,” Jigme Dukpa said.

Guetue brings the popular zhungdra and boedra tunes to new height with his soulful voice with dranyen, flute, Bhutanese fiddle and dulcimer. Jigme Dukpa, who has come a long way since he first recorded his songs on T-series cassettes in a Walkman, has a plan to bring out a fusion album soon.

Source: Bhutan Observer

Tugging at the heartstrings (again)

2010-10-29T20:24:00.001+06:00

Namgay Jigs’s “Jalam Jalam gi Ashi” captured the hearts of Bhutanese music lovers when it was first released. Now the sequel to the music album, “Jalam Jalam Gi Ashi 2”, which was released last week, is ready to touch hearts of listeners again.
The album, unlike the first one, consists of rock and pop music. The previous one had simple slow romantic ballads. Despite the rock and pop music, Namgay Jigs’s voice still sounds romantic, which listeners prefer.

Besides Dzongkha, he sings in Nepali, Tibetan and Hindi as well.

The album also has a cover of Nidup Dorji’s “Thongchi Thongchi” sung in pop style.

With simple lyrics, the songs are mostly about expressions of love to the beloved. The music for the album was composed by playback composer Tashi Wangdi. However, the title song was composed by an upcoming singer Ugyen.

His next album is due next year, in which he will be singing with the popular Nepali singer, Nimba Rumba.

By Yangchen C Rinzin

Source: kuenselonline.com

Radio High 92.7 FM

2010-08-07T21:14:00.001+06:00

Source: kuenselonline.com

7 August, 2010 - Economic affairs minister, Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk launching Radio High 92.7 FM on Thursday at the clock tower square in Thimphu. Radio High is the fifth radio station in the country owned by Ugyen Dorji (right).

-------

Does this mean that the Radio station is meant for the listening pleasure of those who got high? What a name for a Radio Station.

Kencho Wangdi’s Lok Wongna

2010-07-29T04:38:00.001+06:00

From Youtube, by kenchowangd

KENCHO WANGDI'S (BONZ'S) second music vdo from his album DEMISSA, now out in CD with bonus songs and all lyrics and chords. ENJOY! Help support Bhutanese music. Help it grow.

Follow your star

2010-07-27T05:14:00.000+06:00

source: bhutanobserver.bt

9 July 2010

Bhutatan Statar audition at the Clock Tower: The crowd shows the level of interest

Starting tomorrow, the audi tions of Bhutan Star singing competition will be broad cast on local cable television. Viewers will have a chance to vote for their favourite singers from their respective dzong khags and select them. So, the results of the auditions will be determined by voters.

Participants from each dzongkhag will get two days in which to secure votes. Vot ing lines for one dzongkhag will be open for two days.

Nguldrub Dorjiks, the organiser of the show, has not decided whether to take in top 20 contestants or more in the first round. “It will all depend on votes and marks from the judges. If there are many potential participants, we will take in more,” he said.

Within a month, the names of the participants reaching the next level of competition will be announced.

The selected participants will come to Thimphu. Dur ing their stay in the capital, food, accommodation, pocket money and travel expenses will be taken care of by the organiser.

This year, people have their own reasons for joining the singing competition. While some are driven by interest, others join simply to avail themselves of the oppor tunity. Yet a few others are attracted by the prizes.

Bhutan Star auditions on July 2 and 3 saw 800 par ticipants from all over the country.

According to Nguldrub Dorjiks, there would have been even more participa tions if students were allowed to participate as well.

He said that he was sur prised to see five Lhotsham participants. “All of them are strong, and they can put up a tough competition,” he said.

Beyond the show, the or ganiser is also exploring ways of employing the participants. The show will invite as guests film producers, directors, and dance troupe owners to cre ate employment opportuni ties for the participants.

The first three prizes will be cars, while the fourth and fifth prizes will be cash. However, the first three win ners will also receive some cash prizes so that they can celebrate the victory and fuel their cars.

The show will end in four months. But entertainment doesn’t end there.

The grand finale of the show will see the opening of a dance competition on zhun gdra, boedra and rigsar. That will be followed by a children’s singing competition show.

For the dance competition, a minimum of four people should register as a group. The group registration fee is Nu 3,000.

By Tandin Pem

A new music school in town

2010-07-24T13:39:00.001+06:00

Source: bbs.com.bt

July 23: A new music school opened in capital today. AA-Yang music school, the source of all sounds, will train both the traditional and western music.
AA-Yang music school will feature both the traditional and western music. The Director of the AA-Yang music school, Jigme Dukpa said the school will go a long way in preserving and promoting Bhutanese traditional music.
“The school’s main objective is to preserve and promote traditional music and provide platform for children to learn rules and regulation and the language of music,” he added.

The school hopes to deliver the services like how to make music, how to perform music and how to sing and offers training to the children. At present there are five music teachers.

Jigme Drukpa

2010-07-07T14:53:00.001+06:00

Source: Jigme Drukpa – Tranquillity in Tunes

Music must come out spontaneously as an expression to a given situation and emotional experience, and therefore, we cannot really decide as to when to create music. Personally for me, it was little before I joined Sherubtse College in 1988 that I started to compose and sing “Jigten Zamling Nangka”- “In this World”, after going through various emotional experiences.

Jangchuk Choden: Up and coming pop singer

2010-05-29T00:59:00.001+06:00

source: kuenselonline.com

26 May, 2010 - When Jangchuk Choden, 22, lost the Voice of Drukyul title at the Druk Star contest this year, it opened up a whole new world of music for her. The vibrant wannabe Jangchuk is already working on a self titled pop Bhutanese album and receiving unlimited offers as playback singer. Her latest song ‘Dari nim lu’ for the movie Shhh Galuya Malap has already become popular among the Bhutanese.

With the support of her mother, sister and families, Jangchuk, after completing Class X from Jigme Sherubling higher secondary school in Khaling, came to the capital this year with the hope of becoming a singer. Druk Star gave her a platform to launch her singing talent. With her powerful voice during the contest, she was known among the participants, judges and by others as the legendary Indian singer Usha Uthup.

Although she made it to the top five, Jangchuk lost to other contestants after she garnered the least votes. However, this did not dampen her passion for music.

With her powerful voice, which stood out during the competition, Jangchuk has now become a local celebrity and people stare at her every time she is out in public. It makes her proud. “I even receive calls from students asking me to sing over the phone,” she said.

Jangchuk was candid about how she received money from fans, who asked her to use to money to vote for herself. “But the money was always spent on buying something,” she said.

Brought up by a single mother, she is the younger of two daughter. She is from Orong, Samdrupjongkhar. Jangchuk, who sang and performed during school days, considers music her passion and hobby. “I use to win competitions and received lots of merits.”

“Every time I was offered to sing or perform in other schools, I never backed off,” gushed the singer. She adamantly said, people might take time to recognise me but I will not leave music, as it’s my passion. She took part in Druk Star after she was informed about it by her school’s vice principal.

Her inspiration comes from the famous Bollywood singer Sunidhi Chauhan. Among the Bhutanese, she preferred to call Namgay Jigs her favourite. “I’m happy I got to sing his song during the competition and I always learn the way to sing from his songs.”

Renowned music composer, Tandin Dorji, said that his team was still working on the launch of her album. It is expected to finish in two months. “Previous contestants Sonam Tobgay, Tshering Dorji and Dorji Penjor will be singing in the album,” he informed.

Jangchuk considered the whole experience of Druk Star important as she now knows how to sing zhungdra and boedra. “It should be preserved since it’s our culture,” she said. With only a small local music industry, Jangchuk said she would be looking for a full time job elsewhere. She had no interest in acting.

By Yangchen Choden Rinzin

Dechen Pem

2010-05-27T03:54:00.000+06:00

Source: Born to be a singer | Bhutan Observer

Inspired by Indian singer Lata Mangeshkar, she always listened to her songs and tried singing like her. For Dechen Pem, becoming a playback singer was a dream.

Today she has her own standing in the Bhutanese entertainment industry, which she calls an achievement.

Coming from a Punap family, singing was never in her family but she always had a good voice. Of her five siblings, she and her sister have good vocals, but her sister remains a bathroom singer.

She remembers singing when she was 11. She always took active part in singing when she was in school and that is when her school mates and teachers recognised her talent. She was given the opportunity to sing professionally by Norling in 1995, when she was a teacher.

She joined the Teacher Training College in Paro after completing class X and became a teacher in 1993. She wanted to dedicate herself full-time to movie making and singing, so resigned after 12 years in service.

There was no turning back and now she has performed more than 500 songs, won five best female playback singer awards from the film awards organised by Motion Pictures Association of Bhutan, a viewer’s choice award and an award for singing the maximum number of songs.

She has mostly done playback singing and a few albums. She is also a filmmaker and has produced a hit film called Sergyel in which she also has a small role. “I play in small roles for my own films and my friends’,” she said. She is working on her second project jointly with husband Lobzang Choeda. He has written the script and will be directing for the first time.

As a singer, she charges Nu 5000 for a song but sometimes the charges depend on the funding agencies. “I sing freely for friends and sometimes I charge less if the funder is not financially well,” she said.

One cannot hear her humming or singing at home casually. The only time she practices singing or rehearses is when she is recording.

Regarding the present scenario of female singers, she says she has no fear but adds that competition would be tougher in future as more singers are coming up. “If challenging singers come into the market it would be good for me as well as the public,” she said.

Happily married and the mother of two children, Dechen Pem claims that her daughter also has a good voice and she encourages her children to sing. The 36-year-old singer has a set of fans who are mostly women and students. All she wants now is to take a basic course in music, as she does not have any musical theory background.

BY TANDIN PEM

Rang Guna Milu

2010-05-26T03:50:00.001+06:00

A musician’s passion

2010-05-14T20:07:00.001+06:00

Source: Passion completes a man | Bhutan Observer

14 May 2010

Passion fills life with sweet melody. Lobzang Dorji explores this theme through the life of a musician

He is a dancer, singer, choreographer, musician, and a self-made successful man. The 27-year-old proprietor of Lhayee Lugar Arts and Performance in Thimphu, Tashi Wangdi, says his ‘undying passion for music and relentless pursuit of it’ carved a niche in his life.

Born to farmer parents in the sleepy village of Serchenmo in Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag, Tashi Wangdi studied up to class VIII in Wamrong Junior High School.

His passion for music took a new turn when he was in class III in Gomdar Primary School. “It was our Dzongkha lopoen Khandu who inspired me with his mellifluous dram nyen,” he recollects.

The young Tashi started taking dramnyen lessons from Lopoen Khandu. Pas sionate about the instrument as he was, he learnt it quickly.

Two years later, his father bought a dramnyen for him. In 1996, when he was in class VI, he hit the stage with Ke sang Dorji’s Dhari Nangpai Alutshu, a popular song at the time. Tashi Wangdi was a big fan of Kesang Dorji and Jigme Drukpa.

He would bunk off school to a peaceful place and di vert himself singing Salagawa Sharchog Gomdarlu.

As a class VII student, he won the best singer award in the school concert. One year later, he was to leave school. His parents couldn’t afford to send him to school any longer.

He was back home helping his poor parents on the farm when he heard about Tashi Nyencha, a Thimphu-based music band, through radio. In 2000, the poor village boy was in the capital pursuing his passion.

In Thimphu, life was not easy for Tashi. He received a stipend of Nu 750 a month only. The choice was between music and farming. He chose the former.

In Tashi Nyencha, he learnt all kinds of traditional songs and musical instruments be sides mask dances.

Having mastered the tra ditional music in three years, he started learning the guitar and piano.

While he learnt the tradi tional music from Dasho Aku Trongmi, Ap Dawpel and Ata Yeshi, he taught himself the western music.

In 2002, he produced his first music album which did not do well. Yet he pinned his hope on his second album which did not do well either.

However, his third album, Namkoie Namkoie, for which he composed the music, was a big success.

Then, Tashi joined Khuju Luyang, another music band in Thimphu, as an instructor. It was during his stint with the band that he composed the hugely popular rigsar song Rechi Mazok, sung by Rinchen Namgyel.

While with Khuji Luyang, he had been to Taiwain, Ja pan and India to perform.

Tashi saw the culmination of his musical career in 2008 when he established his own music company.

Today, Tashi also composes music for films. Starting from Tshering Wangyel’s film, Sherubtse Gami, he composed music for films like Yuegi Bu, Zhenden, Seldrup, Sergi Zhom, Sem Da Sem, Far Away Girl, and Losel.

In February this year, his music band went to Singa pore to perform the tradi tional Bhutanese songs and dances. “Such activities help promote and preserve our culture,” he said with satis faction.

Lhayee Lugar has five boys and five girls each of whom are paid a monthly salary of Nu 4,000. The instructor draws Nu 8,000.

Tashi Wangdi is married with two children.

Bhutan Star returns

2010-04-21T23:41:00.001+06:00

From: Bhutan Star is back! KOL

21 April, 2010 - The Bhutanese masses which was been enthralled for months by the home-made reality show, Druk Star, broadcast live on national TV, need not wait long for a similar show.
The first reality show organiser, Nidup Dorji of Jigkdrel entertainment centre (JEC), is coming back with his Bhutan Star (Druk Gi Sungkey Dendhur) after a year’s gap. Bhutan Star will begin from June 2. Calling it a show with a change, Nidup Dorji said that auditions, which will begin soon, would be with musical accompaniment and cover all 20 dzongkhags.

With SMS (short messaging service) votes from audience influencing the decision and the outcome of the competition, Nidup Dorji said that this time voting decision would have only 40 percent weightage, with the other 60 percent from a panel of judges. Bhutan Star will have the same categories as in 2008: Zhungdra, Boedra and Rigsar. Any Bhutanese between 18 and 45 years can take part with an entry fee of Nu 300, Nu 200 less than 2008. However, the top 20 contestants of the recently concluded Druk Star and Bhutan Star in 2008 are barred.

JEC plans to broadcast the grand finale live on the BBS TV and broadcast the entire edited audition programme through the cable TV operators and BBS. “If the BBS airtime is expensive, we will broadcast only through the cable operators,” he said.

Bhutan Star is also not allowing students to take part, fearing “disturbance to studies”, according Nidup Dorji.

Nidup Dorji is confident that, even with the popularity of Druk Star, Bhutan Star will sell well among the Bhutanese audience. “I’m confident that the show will be popular,” he said, adding that he missed out in 2009 because of a lack of sponsors. His confidence also comes from the attractive prizes on offer. All first three winners will take home a Maruti Alto car and it’s a ‘full-option Alto’ for the Bhutan Star.

The ‘grand finale’ is scheduled for September.

Meanwhile, JEC is also organising an open dance competition, Druk Gi Zhabdroi Leu Gi Dendhur. Bhutanese above 18 years and below 45 can take part in groups of four dancers in the zhungdra, boedra and rigsar categories. Auditions will start in October.

Bhutanese students will also get an opportunity to take part when JEC organises the last of the shows, a singing contest for children. Druk Gi Alu key Gi Dendhur (singing contest for children), will start on December 17. The minimum age is not yet decided, but Nidup Dorji said he is targeting the young to give them a platform to learn traditional songs like zhungdra and boedra. “Zhungdra culture can be imbibed by children through such shows,” he said.

By Ugyen Penjore

Jampyel Yangzom – The Druk Star

2010-04-20T01:52:00.001+06:00

Source: Bhutan Broadcasting Service

Jamphel Yangzom declared the Druk Star

April 18: Jamphel Yangzom, a student of Rinchen Higher Secondary School bagged the most coveted prize of Druk Star, the voice of Drukyul- a swift car sponsored by Zimdra Automobiles. She competed against four other finalists to win the title of Druk Star with over 2,41,000 votes.
Jamphel also received three druk air tickets sponsored by Pelden TMT. RICBL is providing insurance worth Nu. 1 million to the winner. The runners- up is Chencho Norbu, a teacher.
RICBL is also giving insurances worth Nu. 7,70,000 to Chencho Norbu, and Nu. 6,70,000 to Sonam Tobgay, who is the second runners-up.
Phurba Chencho and Jangchub Choden, who came fourth and fifth, will receive insurances worth Nu. 5,70,000 each. The Bhutan Insurance will be providing insurance worth a Nu. 1,00,000 each to the five finalists.
In addition, it also gave Nu. 20,000 to Phurba Chencho and Jangchub Choden.
BBS, who is the broadcast partner of Druk Star has awarded audiovisual contracts worth Nu. 25,000 to all five finalists. All the finalists were also given Drukair tickets.

Druk Star grand finale

2010-04-16T12:02:00.000+06:00

Source: Bhutan observer

16 April 2010

The much awaited Voice of Druk-Yul will be declared on Sunday during the grand finale of Druk Star competition.

The final will be held from April 17 to 18 at the YDF complex in Thimphu.

Last week, Dorji Penjor and Gyem Dorji were eliminated from the contest.

Chencho Norbu, 34, from Paro, Jampel yangzom, 19, from Pemagatshel, Jangchuk Choden, 22, from Samdrup Jongkhar, Phurpa chencho, 22, from Haa and Sonam Tobgay, 22, from Thimphu have reached the top five of the contest.

Chencho Norbu got re charge voucher worth Nu 1,900 for not getting into the danger zone even once.

Unlike in the elimination phase, during the finale the winner will be decided pure ly by votes from the public. There will be no scores from the judges.

The voting lines will be open till 3 pm on Sunday.

The winner will drive home a car along with a cash prize. The first runners-up will re ceive a cash prize of more than Nu 100,000. The others contestants will also get cash prizes.

All top five contestants will get a free personal accident insurance of Nu 100,000 each from Bhutan Insurance Lim ited. They will also get free two-way air tickets to Bang kok, Thailand. They will also sign a contract with the or ganiser for producing a music album Besides the prizes, the con testants have been getting many offers from producers to sing for films.

By Tandin Pem

Druk Star paves way to silver screen

2010-04-09T22:10:00.001+06:00

Source: Bhutan Observer

9 April 2010

It will not be long before people see some of the Druk Star contestants on the silver screen and some others’ voices heard in Bhutanese films.

Last week, Film Director Tshering Wangyel and Miss Bhutan Tshokey Tsomo Karchung, who came as guest judges at the show, made acting and singing offers to some of the contestants.

Tshering Wangyel said he saw potential in Sonam Tobgay, and if the singer agreed, he would want to make a film starring him. Tshering Dorji, Phurpa Chencho, Jampel Yangzom, Jangchuk Choden and Gyem Dorji were given an offer to sing for the music album Shh… Galuya Malap, which is part of a forthcoming film produced by Etho Metho and directed by Tshering Wangyel.

It is slated to be released in May. “It is a good opportunity for the contestants,” said Kencho Wangdi, the organiser of the singing show. While the offers came as a joy for the contestants, two of them, Tandin Bida from Wangdue and Tshering Dorji from Dagana, were eliminated from the competition. Phurpa Chencho was declared the Voice of the Week.

Jangchuk Choden received a standing ovation from Tandin Dorji, the rigsar judge, for her performance, which he described as a feat “that can be achieved by only a few singers in the country”. The competition is now left with two women and five men contestants. The contestants performed a three-day live show at the RAPA hall in Thimphu from April 5 to 7.

By Tandin Pem

Druk star – a door of opportunity

2010-04-07T09:32:00.000+06:00

Source: Druk Star changing lives | bhutan observer

7 April 2010

Besides entertaining the people of the country, the Druk Star show has had a deep impact on the lives of the contestants. The contestants include students, school drop-outs, a former monk, a teacher and a farmer.

Phurba Chencho, one of the contestants, is a farmer from Haa. He left the plough to take part in the singing competition. After being in the public eye for months, he now plans to give up farming and make a living by singing in Thimphu.

“I will not go back to farming. With my talent in singing, I will be able to make a living,” said the 22-year-old contestant.

“Now, everyone knows me by face, and I become more conscious of what I am going to sing. That is why I work hard and try to improve to meet the people’s expectations,” said Chencho Norbu, 34-year-old, a teacher from Paro. He said he will continue teaching after the competition.

Sonam Tobgay, 22, from Thimphu has been deeply influenced by the contest that he is thinking of pursuing a music course after the show.

“I have not completed my studies but now I am planning to quit studies and go into music,” he said.

For 23-year-old Dorji Penjor, a former monk from Punakha, the competition has been a platform to showcase his talent and interest.

“I have gained a lot of new knowledge by taking part in the show,” said Jangchuk Choden, 22, from Samdrup Jongkhar. Of the nine remaining contestants, Chencho Norbu, Gyem Dorji and Jampel Yangzom never went into the danger zone nor did they become the voice of the week.

Dorji Penjor went into the danger zone four times, while Jangchuk Choden, Tandin Gyem and Tshering Dorji went twice. Phurpa Chencho and Sonam Tobgay went into the danger zone once.

Dorji Penjor and Sonam Tobgay became the voice of the week twice while Jangchuk Choden, Phurpa Chencho, Tandin Gyem and Tshering Dorji became once.

The Druk Star contestants performed live in Paro and Haa this week.

By Tandin Pem

Ap Dawpel – the Dramnyen master

2010-04-06T04:28:00.000+06:00

Source: The maestro and his dramnyen | Bhutan Observer

6 April 2010

Basking in the afternoon sun outside his house in Thimphu, Daw Peljor, famously known as Ap Dawpel, the maestro of dramnyen and zhungdra, greets me with a smile. After a brief introduction, he leads me into his traditional Bhutanese house.

Sitting in his altar room, the man known for creating wonderful music with his magical touch on the dramnyen is ready to tell me about his songs and dramnyen.

“It has almost been three years since I stopped singing and playing dramnyen,” starts the 78-year-old, pointing at the old dramnyen hanging from the wall of his altar room. The dramnyen, he says, is five-generation-old. “No one from the present generation in my family knows how to play dramnyen.

One of my grandsons has recently started learning it,” he says. Coughing at regular intervals, Ap Dawpel says the dramnyen is one of his most precious possessions, and he wouldn’t give it away for anything in the world.

He says, “The dramnyen belonged to my forefathers, who passed it down from generation to generation. A cousin of mine got it, but since he owed some money to me, he gave it to me.” He was 25 years old then.

Ap Dawpel believes that his dramnyen is home to Yangchenma, the goddess of music. “Many years ago, Dorji Phagmo, a renowned reincarnate nun, spent a night at my home. It was three in the morning when she heard music from my dramnyen.

She thought I was playing, but I was not. I was still in bed,” he recalls. According to him, the music produced by strumming a dramnyen is not music but the goddess Yangchenma herself singing.

He also narrates the story of an American woman visiting him. “The owman told me that when she first listened to my songs, she got a pleasant odour. At first, she thought it was the perfume she was wearing, but later, she noticed the same fragrance every time she played my songs.

After listening to my songs for six months, she came to visit me,” he said. Ap Dawpel knew how to play dramnyen since the age of 23. He also learned it from Sewla Pem Dorji, a renowned dramnyen player. He also learned old popular songs from Sewla Pem Dorji, who was known for singing zhungdra and boedra.

He sings a stanza from Bermo Bermo, one of the first songs he had learned, and laments that it is getting extinct. “I don’t understand rigsar, and I don’t like the songs because the tunes are all duplicated from India,” he says.

Born and brought up in Talo, Punakha, Ap Dawpel became a monk at the age of nine and lived in Punakha Dzong till the age of 23.

Later, he became the Royal Grand Mother’s painter and musician. At the age of 27, he was sent to India to record music, along with some others. Ap Dawpel does not remember how many music albums were produced based on his songs.

In 1999, he received the Druk Thugsey (Heart Son of Bhutan) medal for his outstanding musical services from His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo.

Ap Dawpel was married thrice but never had a son. He has three daughters and considers Jigme Dukpa, a popular singer and dramnyen player, his son.

Apart from dramyen, he also plays other traditional Bhutanese musical instruments.

Being a (Druk) Star

2010-04-01T10:08:00.001+06:00

Source: Bhutan Observer, Life after Bhutan Star

1 April 2010

One year and three months ago, five people were declared the winners of Drukgi Sungkey Dendur, the first singing competition show in the country. Our reporter Tandin Pem finds out how the contest has changed their lives

The winner of Bhutan Star show, 21-year-old Sonam Yangden from Trashigang, is presently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Kalimpong in India. She had earlier said that she would like to pursue further education after the show.

Karma Phuntsho, 21, the first runner-up, is continuing his studies in class XI in Motithang Higher Secondary School in Thimphu. He had discontinued his studies to take part in the contest. He gave the prize money, Nu 150,000, to his parents.

The contest opened many doors of opportunity for him. He got offers from film producers and acted in a local Bhutanese film. He also took up a lead role in a Bhutanese serial which is yet to be aired on television. His solo music album with MTV is all set to be released.

“I was always interested in singing but never got the opportunity. Druki Sungki Dendur opened a lot of opportunities for me,” he said.

He said the stars could not maintain a link with the public after the contest because the music album sung by the five of them is yet to be released. The second runner-up, 21- year-old Tshering Namgay, a farmer from Wangdue, lives in Paro with his wife. After the contest, he has sung in some 20 music albums. He is now planning to open a draying in Paro.

He helped his parents with the Nu 50,000 he won. “I was always interested in singing and with the right platform I am able to do it,” he said. Tshering Dorji, 25, the third runner-up from Haa, is still working with Bhutan Power Corporation in Paro.

The fourth runner-up, Rinzin Wangchuk, 25, a high school dropout from Samtse, acted and sang in two serials and two films. At the moment, he is concentrating more on acting than on singing.

He deposited the prize money in the bank. He lives in Thimphu and did not feel the need to use his prize money because after the contest he started getting many job offers.

Druk Star gives wind to Zhungdra

2010-03-31T10:06:00.000+06:00

Source: Kuenselonline.com,

Zhungdra given second wind by Druk Star

29 March, 2010 - Kinga has a craze for western music. The love for music has even made the young civil servant buy an electric guitar, which he tries out with friends on weekends.

A few weeks ago, while Kinga was watching BBS TV, he couldn’t help but appreciate a young girl singing a “beautiful song” a cappella (without instrumental accompaniment). He was referring to a contestant of the Druk Star singing a zhungdra song. “It made me think it isn’t only music that makes songs beautiful,” said Kinga.

As Druk Star gets to the final stages and its popularity soars, notwithstanding the criticism, the contest has provided a platform for young Bhutanese to try their skill at zhungdra, which is believed to be boring and difficult to sing. Listeners like Kinga say that such a platform is one way of reviving a rich zhungdra culture, which has taken backstage in the age of western and rigsar music.

Zhungdra is a classical song, sung in meditative style without accompaniment. It literally means the music of the centre (zhung is centre and dra means music), and is associated with the folk music of the dzongs during the time of the Zhabdrung.

It has always been believed that, because of the peculiar zhungdra tune and distinctive rhythm, only professionals would be able to sing zhungdra. “I thought Ap Dawpel and Jigme Drukpa would be the last to sing zhungdra,” said a Thimphu resident, Needrup. “But it’s good to see Bhutanese youth taking part in Druk Star sing it so melodiously.”

The appreciation for young contestants singing zhungdra melodiously is so much that audience even criticise the judges for remarks passed about the contestants every weekend. “The judges want the contestants to sing like them. It’s odd,” said a shopkeeper on Norzin lam. “We should appreciate these young talents.”

In other words, reality shows like Druk Star and last year’s Druk Gi Sungked Dendur, also called Bhutan Idol, are providing a new medium to keep an old tradition alive. “If people show interest, zhungdra culture will thrive and we’re seeing this happen,” said a corporate employee Tashi.

Of the three popular genres of Bhutanese songs (zhungdra, boedra and rigsar), zhungdra is least popular among many Bhutanese singers too. Outside the contest, zhungdra is mostly sung and danced to by people living in rural places during occasions like annual lochhoes, archery matches and tshechus, besides those in the hospitality business, performing for curious tourists.

Professional singers also say that it is difficult to sing zhungdra and that the contestants of Druk Star had to be appreciated. The youngest contestant in Druk Star, Gem Dorji, 18, knew only two zhungdra numbers before joining the contest. “Now I know almost all the zhungdras,” he said. Another contestant, Jampel Yangzom, 20, from Pemagatshel, said that, though she sang zhungdras during her school days, it was different for Druk Star. “Here I bought zhungdras cassettes of Pem Lham and Pema Samdrup and practiced them,” she said.

“Zhungdra is the real identity of Bhutanese music culture and it’s good that Druk Star gives importance to it equally,” said the secretary of cultural affairs, Dasho Sangay Wangchuk. “If not for such programs, zhungdra would vanish.”

One of the organisers and host of the show, Kencho Wangdi, said that zhungdra was included in the show to promote and preserve culture and rich tradition.

“We’re in mass media and it’s our duty to promote it,” he said.

The programme is organised by KK production and Wisdom pictures, in collaboration with Bhutan Broadcasting Service Corporation (BBS). Launched on December 13, Druk Star will end by the third week of April.

The winner will also drive home a Zimdra-sponsored Maruti Swift car, worth about Nu 420,000, and hold the title of ‘Voice of Bhutan’. Second and third will win cash prizes.

By Tashi Dema

Of judgement and comments - Bhutan Observer - Bhutan News

2010-03-29T08:05:00.001+06:00

29 March 2010

Of late, more than Druk Star show and the contestants, the judges and their comments have become the talk of the town.

Many viewers of the show say the judges are unfair, biased and boast about themselves. It was learnt that the judges even received a written complaint signed by three people. The letter said Namkha Lhamo mixed English and Dzongkha while making comments, Yeshey Wangchuk passed endless coments and advice and Tandin Dorji criticized Tshangla.

But most of the viewers said the comments passed by the judges did not influence their vote. Pema, a housewife in Thimphu, who votes for Tandin Gyem, said she did not vote based on the comments passed by the judges because they sometimes give good comments but low marks.

Tashi Norbu

2010-03-24T13:53:00.002+06:00

Source: Bhutan Observer, Pioneer in entertainment industry
21 March 2010

A recipient of a gold medal, a composer, singer, performer, and film director, Tashi Norbu, 50, is a pioneer in Bhutanese entertainment industry.
The Managing Director and owner of Tashi Nyencha Entertainment Company, Tashi Norbu started the entertainment group in 1987 with four people.
They composed traditional songs, tunes and redesigned a few traditional musical instruments. They released their first music album, Music from the Dragon Kingdom, in 1988.
In 1990, Tashi Nyencha produced a comedy film, Ap Wangdugay. It was shot using a handy cam with a budget of less than Nu 100,000. It was the first Bhutanese film to be screened in Lugar Theatre in Thimphu, in Phuentsholing and Samdrup Jongkhar.
Tashi Norbu was the director, cameraman, light man and makeup person for the film. He said the making of the film was difficult because the whole of it was set in a rural area.
Later, he produced Daw Butsu, a film on music, love and religion, and Gukor, an other comedy featuring Phurpa Thinley.

Gradually, the number of members in the group started increasing, and in 1994, Tashi Nyencha started functioning as the first private entertainment firm.
They started performing live stage shows entertaining people with traditional, cultural and modern Bhutanese songs and dances.
In 1997, Tashi Norbu asked people from different regions in the country to teach local dances and songs to his group and started collecting costumes from the regions.
Today, he claims to have nine unique dances of Bhutan which no other entertainment company has and the rarest collection of dance costumes from across the country.
His hard work and dedication paid off in 2005 when he received a gold medal along with a cash prize of Nu 1.5 million at the 16th Fukuoka Asian Culture Prizes in Japan. The medal, made of platinum and gold, was awarded to him for being the first private citizen in the country to engage in preserving and maintaining traditional culture, primarily music.
Tashi Nyencha has produced around nine music al bums. The group performed in Japan, Hongkong, India and Thailand. Currently the group has 18 people.
Born and brought up in Thimphu, Tashi Norbu is originally from Kheng. He inherited the interest in music from his late father, Colonel Digala Dorji, more popularly known as Aku Tongmi, the composer of the national anthem of Bhutan.
Tashi Norbu was a talented singer and dancer since his school days in Kalimpong, India. While pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Shilliong, India, he got an offer to act in an Indian film but he declined the offer because he wanted to come back home and show his potential at home.
After coming back home, he played for the national football team as the goal keeper for two years before starting Tashi Nyencha.
Besides music, Tashi Norbu is also into collecting antiques. He has a rich collection of antiques in his home. Some of the antiques belonged to his father. He plans to open a small museum near the Zangtopelri in Vegetable Market to showcase the antique collection.
During his free time, Tashi Norbu engages himself in making decorative items like photo frames, flower holders and wall hangers.
By Tandin Pem

Zamling migi bumo

2010-03-20T23:43:00.001+06:00

Uploaded by dradulk