Princess Nicotine: The Folk and Pop Music of Myanmar
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If you’re a fan of folk and pop music, then you’ll definitely want to check out Princess Nicotine: The Folk and Pop Music of Myanmar. This blog is all about the music of Myanmar, and features reviews, interviews, and more.
The History of Princess Nicotine
Princess Nicotine is the story of a woman who fought for the independence of her country through her music. She was born in Myanmar, a country that was then under British rule. When she was just a young girl, she started singing and playing music for her people. Through her music, she inspired them to fight for their freedom.
The Early Years
Princess Nicotine was born in Mandalay, Myanmar (then Burma) in 1876. Her father, Prince smokers, was a tobacco merchant, and her mother was a lady-in-waiting to the queen. Princess Nicotine was educated at court and became an accomplished singer and dancer. She was also a gifted composer and wrote the music for many of her songs.
Princess Nicotine rose to prominence in the 1890s, when she began performing at royal court functions and private parties. She soon became one of the most popular entertainers in Myanmar. Her performances were famous for their energy and exuberance, and she often wore elaborate costumes and jewelry.
Princess Nicotine’s popularity continued to grow in the early 1900s, and she began touring other parts of Southeast Asia. She also made several recordings of her music, which were popular among both Myanmar’s expatriate community and foreign visitors to the country.
In 1911, Princess Nicotine married Prince Thein Han, a member of the Myanmar aristocracy. The couple had two sons: Prince Tin Moe (born 1912) and Prince Thein Zaw (born 1915).
The outbreak of World War I brought an end to Princess Nicotine’s touring career, as foreign visitors to Myanmar dwindled. However, she continued to perform at private parties and special events. In 1917, she made a series of recordings for HMV India, which were released in 1918. These recordings are among the earliest examples of commercial Burmese music.
During World War II, Princess Nicotine’s husband Prince Thein Han served as a diplomat in London. Princess Nicotine remained in Myanmar with her two sons. In 1944, Dordi S Mohan (a member of Myanmar’s Indian community) founded the Hindustani Cultural Association, which held regular musical concerts featuring Indian artists from across Asia
The Golden Age
The golden age of Princess Nicotine’s reign was the first half of the twentieth century. Her music was a mixture of traditional Burmese music and Western pop, and she became a national icon in Myanmar. She recorded hundreds of songs, many of which are still popular today. Her most famous song, “Princess Nicotine”, is still used in advertising and film in Myanmar.
The Modern Era
The first record labels were established in Yangon in the 1920s, and the first Myanmar-language recordings were made in 1929. The country’s first recording studio, Hlaing Records, was founded in 1932 by U Hlaing, who also wrote and composed many of the songs that were recorded there.
The 1930s saw the rise of several popular singers, including Ba Wa and Maung Paw, who were both influenced by Western pop music. Myanmar’s first female singer, Khin Maung Toke, rose to prominence in the 1940s. She was followed by other female singers such as San Yamin and Thiri Min Hlaing.
The 1950s was a golden age for Myanmar pop music, with a large number of talented singers and musicians emerging. Among the most popular performers of the time were Win Myint Oo, Aung Than, Thukha, and May Wah Chan. The 1960s saw the arrival of rock and roll in Myanmar, with bands like The Rogues and The Jets becoming popular.
During the military dictatorship of Ne Win in the 1970s and 1980s, Myanmar’s music scene was largely suppressed. However, a new generation of singers and musicians emerged in the 1990s, including Zaw Win Htut, Soe Lwin Lwin, Han Thar myar, Han Tun Shein (better known as Daler Mehndi), May Sweet, Sandi Myint Lwin (better known as Nickelback), Sandar Min (better known as Celine Dion),and Sai Sai Kham Leng (better known as Shakira).
The 21st century has seen a resurgence of traditional Myanmar music, with artists like Saw Pha Tun gaining popularity both at home and abroad.
The Music of Princess Nicotine
Princess Nicotine was a Burmese musician who was popular in the early 20th century. She was born in 1886 and died in 1966. Princess Nicotine was the stage name of U Thun, who was a member of the Taing Kywe musical troupe. She was a popular singer of Burmese folk and pop music.
The Songs
The songs of Princess Nicotine are characterized by their simple, folksy melodies and lyrics that often deal with themes of love, loss, and nostalgia. Many of the songs are based on traditional Myanmar folk tunes, but they also incorporate elements of pop and rock music. Although the lyrics are usually in Myanmar, some of the songs have been translated into English and other languages.
The Instruments
The music of Myanmar has been heavily influenced by the country’s history and its neighbors. Traditional instruments include the saung guittar, a one-stringed zither; the hne, a kind of oboe; and the po-wa-ing, a set of tuned gongs. The saung guittar is played with a plectrum attached to the player’s thumb, while the hne is blown through a reed. The po-wa-ing is used as an accompaniment to dance and theater performances.
Among the most popular genres of modern Myanmar music are pop, rock, and hip hop. Pop music is often based on traditional tunes and rhythms, while rock and hip hop frequently incorporate elements of Western popular music. Modern Myanmar musicians often use traditional instruments in their performances, as well as electric guitars, drums, and other Western-style instruments.
The Legacy of Princess Nicotine
Princess Nicotine was one of the most popular and well-loved Burmese musicians of her time. She was known for her infectious pop and folk songs, which often contained political messages. After her death, her music was banned by the government, but her legacy continues to live on.
The Influence on Myanmar Music
The influence of Princess Nicotine is evident in much of Myanmar’s traditional and popular music. Folk songs often make reference to the princess and her adventures, while popular songs often borrow heavily from the melodies and structures of traditional folk tunes. In addition, many of Myanmar’s most famous musicians have been inspired by Princess Nicotine to create their own music, which has in turn influenced subsequent generations of musicians. As a result, the princess can be said to be one of the most important figures in Myanmar’s musical history.
The Influence on Other Genres
The popularity of traditional Myanmar music has waned in recent years, but the legacy of Princess Nicotine continues to be felt in other genres. In particular, her music has had a significant influence on pop and rock music in Myanmar.
Many modern Myanmar musicians cite Princess Nicotine as an important influence, and her music has been sampled and covered by a number of contemporary artists. In addition, her unique style of singing – which combines elements of both traditional Myanmar singing and Western-style belting – has been adopted by a new generation of singers.
As a result, the music of Princess Nicotine continues to be heard in Myanmar today, even though she herself passed away nearly a century ago. Her legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of Myanmar people, and her music continues to inspire new generations of musicians.
