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 Lao pop star Nalin Daravong received a warm welcome when she arrived at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane last Friday after performing at two concerts in Japan.
She went to Japan to perform songs from her latest self-titled album at the first Mekong River Charity Concert along with artists from other Asian countries.
Nalin said she was very proud because this was her first time on the international stage and she was delighted to represent Laos at this special event.
“I sang three Lao songs, Vao Ba Ba (Why Do You Say That?), Lom Pak Pao (Lip Service) and Hak Kheu... (Love is…) and one Japanese song,” she said.
“I was impressed with the warm welcome I received, the food and the friendly people. What impressed me the most was the applause I received at both concerts. The audiences included both young and old people, well known artists, and ambassadors.”
Nalin's performances were made possible by the event organisers, who invited one artist from each of seven Asian countries: Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Cambodia and Vietnam.
The event is hosted by each of these countries in turn; next year the host will be Thailand. Only the hottest pop star from each country will be invited to appear on stage.
The event organisers chose Nalin because, when they came to Laos in February to research the music scene, her song Vao Ba Ba was top of the charts and was frequently played on radio and television.
“My mother and the director of Indee Records, Mr Anouluck Pathammavong,
went with me to Japan . We filmed some video clips which I hope we can
use in music videos so that people can view my performances there,”
Nalin said.
“Some of the clips show the special attractions of Japan such as at the Cosmo World Theme Park in Yokohama.”
Nalin's breakthrough came in 2006, when she won the Close Up Music Award. Her winnings included a contract with Indee Records.
She first appeared as a backing vocalist on the song Khon Meu Song
(Second-Hand Person) by local hard-rock favourites, The Cells.
Indee was impressed enough with her work to retain her the following
year. This led to her debut album being produced by a line-up that
included Alouna, Tou, Silvia and The Cells' vocalist Sak.
By PHOONSAB THEVONGSA
June 5, 2008
Vientiane Times - Vientianetimes.org.la
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