Princess Nicotine: The Folk and Pop Music of Myanmar

If you’re a fan of world music, you’ll definitely want to check out Princess Nicotine: The Folk and Pop Music of Myanmar. This blog showcases the incredible music of this Southeast Asian country, and provides insights into the culture and history behind it.

The History of Princess Nicotine

Burma’s folk and pop music is a product of the country’s unique history, which is a blend of colonialism, immigration, and cultural diffusion. The music of Burma has been influenced by the music of India, China, Thailand, and the West. Princess Nicotine is a popular folk and pop singer in Myanmar who has been influenced by all of these cultures.

The Early Years: 1890-1920

Princess Nicotine (a.k.a. Myanmar) first came to the United States in 1890, when she was introduced at the New Orleans World’s Fair. She quickly became popular, and by the 1920s was one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the country. She was often featured in vaudeville shows, and her popularity only increased when she began appearing in motion pictures in the 1930s.

Although her popularity has diminished somewhat in recent years, Princess Nicotine remains an important part of American culture.

The Golden Age: 1920-1962

The years between 1920 and 1962 were Myanmar’s Golden Age of music. “Princess Nicotine” was originally a vaudeville song performed in Burmese language by U Htaung Ko Win and U Hlaing Ko Win. The popularity of the song encouraged many artists to compose their own versions, both in Burmese and English. The genre became so popular that it became known as “Nicotine music”.

During this period, Myanmar’s music scene was dominated by female vocalists, such as Thukha, Khin Maung Toe, and May Oo Dham. They were often accompanied by ensembles consisting of Violin, Cello, Clarinet, Saxophone, and Piano. The lyrics of Nicotine songs were often light-hearted and romantic, but they could also be deeply moving ballads about lost love or the pain of exile.

The Golden Age came to an end with the military coup of 1962, which ushered in a period of political and economic upheaval. Many musicians were forced into exile, and the production of popular music was halted for many years. It was not until the early 1990s that the music scene began to recover.

The Modern Era: 1962-present

The military junta that took control of Myanmar (formerly Burma) in 1962 changed the country’s name, its flag, and its national language. They also instituted a new form of music, which they termed ” Myanmar Modern Song.” This music was based on traditional Burmese music, but it contained Western influences as well. The government encouraged the production of this music and it soon became popular throughout the country.

In recent years, a new generation of musicians has emerged who are blending traditional Burmese music with Western pop and rock. These musicians are often critical of the government, and their music is popular among young people who are tired of the government-sanctioned music.

The Music of Princess Nicotine

Princess Nicotine was a performer of Myanmar’s popular and traditional music. She was born in Mandalay, the daughter of a court official and a village woman. Princess Nicotine’s music was a blend of folk and pop, and she was one of the first Myanmar artists to be recorded.

The Early Years: 1890-1920

Due to the fact that Myanmar was a British colony from 1885 until 1948, the music of Myanmar has been heavily influenced by Western and Indian music. The earliest recordings of music in Myanmar date back to the early 1900s, when soldiers in the British army stationed in Myanmar recorded traditional folk songs on 78rpm records. These recordings provide a valuable glimpse into the musical traditions of early 20th century Myanmar.

During this time, traditional folk music was still predominant, but there were also signs of popular music beginning to emerge. One of the first popular singers in Myanmar was a woman named U Chit San, who became known for her interpretations of Hindi film songs. Around the same time, a form of jazz called “Pathet Lao” began to gain popularity, particularly among young people in urban areas.

The 1920s saw the rise of “Pwa Saw Wah,” a type of light orchestral pop music that was popular amongthe middle and upper classes. This style of music was often played at lavish parties and social gatherings, and it helped to further establish popular music as a distinct genre in Myanmar.

The Golden Age: 1920-1962

The first professional recording artist from Myanmar was Saya Tin, who made his debut in 1920 with two songs, “Princess Nicotine” and “The Frog Prince.” His style combined western influences with traditional Myanmar music, and his recordings were extremely popular. He went on to make numerous other recordings, including several more versions of “Princess Nicotine,” which became something of an unofficial anthem for the country.

In the 1950s and 1960s, a new generation of Myanmar musicians began to experiment with a more modern sound, blending traditional instrumentation with electric guitars and other western influences. This period is often referred to as the Golden Age of Myanmar music, and it produced some of the country’s most beloved and iconic musicians, including Maung Oo Twin, Hanthawaddy U Win Maung, and Hlaing Tsun U Saw Taik. These artists created a unique fusion of folk, pop, and rock that was distinctly Myanmar.

The Modern Era: 1962-present

The military dictatorship that took power in Myanmar in 1962 placed strict controls on the country’s music scene, dubbed “progress music.” All performers were required to be members of the state-run Union of Burma Artists, and foreign influences were heavily censored. This resulted in a rise in patriotic and nationalist music, as well as traditional music that adhered to government standards.

In 1988, a new military regime took power and announced a series of reforms that relaxed some of the restrictions on the music industry. This led to a resurgence in popular music, with a mix of Western and traditional influences. The 1990s saw the rise of several young Myanmar musicians who were able to find success both at home and abroad.

The Music of Princess Nicotine explores the fascinating history and diversity of Myanmar’s musical traditions. Featuring a mix of traditional and modern performers, this book presents an insider’s view of Myanmar’s music scene.

The Legacy of Princess Nicotine

Princess Nicotine was a Myanmar Folk and Pop singer who was popular in the early 20th century. She was known for her beautiful voice and her ability to sing in many different languages. Princess Nicotine’s music was a mix of traditional Myanmar music and Western pop music. She was a pioneer in the Myanmar music industry and her music is still popular today.

The Early Years: 1890-1920

Princess Nicotine, otherwise known as Saw Phaik Htaik, was born in 1890 in British-occupied Myanmar. Her father was a court musician who played the saung-gauk, a traditional Burmese harp. Princess Nicotine began performing in public at a young age and quickly gained popularity for her beautiful voice and intricate harp playing.

In 1912, Princess Nicotine married Prince Sithu Min Hlaing, the heir to the throne of Myanmar. The couple had four children together. As Princess Nicotine’s fame grew, she began to tour internationally, becoming the first Myanmar musician to perform outside of her home country.

Princess Nicotine’s career came to an abrupt end in 1920 when her husband died suddenly. Princes Sithu Min Hlaing’s death plunged the royal family into mourning and ended all public performances by the princess. For the next three years, Princess Nicotine retreated from the world, raising her children and occasionally playing music for private gatherings of family and friends.

The Golden Age: 1920-1962

The Golden Age of Burmese music occurred during the 1920s-1962. This was a time when the country was relatively peaceful and prosperous, and Burmese musicians were able to experiment with new styles and influences. Many different genres became popular during this period, including folk music, pop music, film music, and traditional instrumental music.

One of the most famous musicians of the Golden Age was Saya San, a folk singer who became known for his patriotic songs about Burma’s history and landscape. He is still beloved by many Burmese today, and his songs are often played on the radio and at public events.

Another significant figure from this period was Aung Than, a pop singer who achieved immense popularity in the 1950s with his romantic ballads. His style was very different from Saya San’s folksy tunes, but both artists helped to shape the modern sound of Burmese music.

The Golden Age came to an end in 1962 when Burma’s military dictatorship took control of the country. Many musicians were forced into exile or Silence; others simply stopped performing altogether. It would be many years before Burkina Faso would once again have a vibrant and diverse musical culture.

The Modern Era: 1962-present

The military dictatorship that ruled Myanmar from 1962 to 2010 heavily censored the music of the country, limiting what could be sung and who could sing it. Political messages were banned, and only performers who followed the party line were allowed to record and tour. As a result, many musicians left Myanmar in search of artistic freedom.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, a new generation of Myanmar musicians emerged, influenced by Western pop music but also by traditional Myanmar music. These artists blended traditional instrumentation with modern styles and technologies, creating a unique sound that was distinctly their own.

Among the most popular of these modern performers are Saing Waing Orchestra, Rubies Band, and Hlaing Maing Orchestras. They have all achieved widespread fame both inside and outside of Myanmar, and their music has helped to spread awareness of Myanmar culture to the world.

Even in the face of censorship, Music of Myanmar continues to evolve and thrive. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of traditional music, as well as a new wave of artists who are blending traditional and modern styles in innovative ways. Thanks to the internet and social media, Myanmar music is more accessible than ever before – and its influence is only likely to grow in the years to come.