Shan pop sways Lue pop in China

Shan pop sways Lue pop in China

The rise of Dai Lue pop music in China's Xishuangbanna Autonomous Prefecture was much influenced by its cousins in Burma's Shan State, disclosed a panelist of Dai Lue descendent at a cultural seminar held in Chiangmai on Saturday (6 July). 

Ai Xiang Zai (Seng Zai in Shan) of the Gatsa Township government speaking on popular music, CDs and concert, told the 70 -participants of the Culture at the Crossroads: The Challenge of Preservation and Development in Sipsongpanna, Yunnan, China, it was Shan pop music, especially earlier albums by famous singer Hsaimao, that finally terminated the increasing indifference of today's youth toward their Dai cultural heritage." In 1998, Hsaimao was invited to Jinghong (Kenghoong in Shan, Chiangroong in Thai), and he was given the warmest welcome by the population," said XiangZai. 

As a result, there are now 8 Dai musical bands, whose growing popularity among the present young generation has helped ease the older age group's fear of total assimilation by advancing Chinese culture. The other resource persons from Jinghong included Ai Nuo (Ai Naw in Shan), who spoke about folklore and folk-life there; Ms. E Guang (E Kawng in Shan) on oral poetries and and Ai Han En (Ai Kham Ngern in Shan) of the Religious Bureau on computer projects. Among others were noted Thai scholars such as Dr.Chayan Vaddhanaphuti and Dr.Pinkaew Luangaramsri of Chiangmai University and Dr. Ratanaporn Sethakul of Payap University. 

The Lue of China were also joined forces by the Lue of Thailand , except for the best known Lue Thai, Ladawan Wongsriwong, a female cabinet member of the present government. 

The 3-day talkshop, 5-7 July, was sponsored by the Ford Foundation, AAS China Inner Asia Council, Chiang Chingkuo Foundation, UCLA and Chiangmai University. 

Hsaimao, 54, who became famous in 1975 with his rendition of the political song, The Promises of Panglong, resides in Tachilek, opposite Chiangrai.