Photo: An artist's 3D depiction of the Lao Music Awards prize.

The first ever Lao Music Awards will be held this summer in the capital, to promote the work of the local music industry and to acknowledge the wealth of quality Lao songs, singers and songwriters.

Sengdara Communications will work closely with the Ministry of Information and Culture to organise the first ever Lao Music Awards.

“We will present awards for our best songs and artists, as well as those working behind the scenes, during this, the first annual music awards in Laos,” Sengdara Communications Creator, Mr Vannasy Phonchanheuang, said yesterday...read more

“Winners will each receive a unique prize combining traditional design with an international flair – a vintage record player or gramophone, combined with a dok champa (the Lao national flower),” Mr Vannasy explained.

The Lao music industry has grown significantly in recent years. While just a decade ago listeners could hear only traditional folk songs and country music, today the burgeoning industry has given birth to many other genres, including pop, rock, r&b, hip-hop and dance.

“The award will be a catalyst for further development of the Lao music scene, because it will encourage artists and record companies to produce quality music, both in traditional genres and more contemporary styles,” the Acting Director General of the Fine Art Department, Mr Xaysavath Singnamvong, said.

Through the continued support of the government and private sectors, the local music industry continues to grow in leaps and bounds, he noted.

“There are still, however, only a few people who consider music to be their main career. This is due to a lack of support and national acknowledgement. The announcement of the 2008 Lao Music Awards is therefore an historic event,” he said.

Mr Vannasy added that the event aims to target all Lao singers, artists and composers, to encourage the development of musical talent to its fullest degree and raise the stature of musicians as valuable assets, and very real stars.

It is hoped the awards will not only encourage those already in the business to strive to produce the highest quality music for the enjoyment of fans, but also inspire anyone with the talent and aspirations to aim for stardom.

Awards will be given in 13 categories, including best album of the year; best song of the year; best male and female artists; best group or band; best traditional Lao song; best country, folk, pop, rock and hip-hop songs; and best producer and composer.

“We will have a press conference soon to announce further details, and to request that all recording companies send nominations for the awards,” Mr Vannasy said.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes

More than 500 concert-goers were treated to a stellar line-up of songsters performing on a red stage on Friday night, at a concert to launch the Lao branch of discount airline AirAsia.

Under its slogan “Now Everyone Can Fly”, the airline launched its inaugural flight into Vientiane on December 1 last year, and is now selling tickets to the public.

The concert, which included a competition for prizes and free tickets for all concert-goers, was entitled “Painting Vientiane's Skyline Red” and brought with it the hottest artists from Indee Records ...more info and photos >>>


More photos >>

The event opened with the record company's newest member, solo performer Souk, who performed three rock singles which he promised would be included on his upcoming album.

Pop star Nalin then sang some of her radio favourites, songs such as Vao Bar Bar (Why Do You Say That?).

Bringing the crowd to a standing ovation was girl band Princess, who didn't disappoint, despite a change in line-up since their last shows.

Another energetic songster, Sam, also greeted his fans with some of his well-known singles, including R&B hit Bok Hai Khoy Hou (Let Me Know), featuring a rapper from Lao Original Gangstarz (LOG) Alex.

The concert was held to mark the fact that AirAsia will now be running three direct flights per week to Vientiane from Kuala Lumpur .

The airline was the first low-cost carrier in Malaysia , and has rapidly established itself as the leading and largest budget airline in Asia .

AirAsia offers a simple “no frills” service at fares that are on average significantly lower than those offered by traditional full-service airlines.

The airline now flies to over 85 domestic and international destinations in Malaysia , Thailand , Indonesia , China , Vietnam , Cambodia , Laos , the Philippines , Brunei , Myanmar and Singapore .

It also has successful joint ventures in Thailand and Indonesia with the inception of Thai Airline and Indonesia AirAsia.

By PHOONSAB THEVONGSA
Vientianetimes