Two veteran artists of the nation were awarded medals, certificate and cash prizes for their contribution to Bhutanese music.
Legendary traditional singer, Aum Nimchu Pem, 71, was one of the recipients during an annual music award ceremony which was held at Royal Academy of Performing Arts’ auditorium in Thimphu yesterday.
Haling from Sengbji village in Trongsa, Aum Nimchu Pem is known for her talent in singing
Mangdep songs, Zhungdra and Boedra.
As excited as she would be after wining the award, she said she is also happy to observe a significant development in Bhutanese music in all three forms.
And for many aspiring Bhutanese traditional singers, Aum Nimchu Pem is also a good teacher.
The other recipient is Sonam Dorji, 68. He is a retired soldier. Hailing from Trashigang Merphey, he was a popular dancer. He was one of the well known courtroom dancers of Late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. He later went on to become an instructor of traditional songs.
“It’s a matter of pride that my contribution to Bhutanese music has been acknowledged,” he said.
The award ceremony also saw a couple of documentary films on the ritual festivals of Monggar Tsamang known as Kharphue ritual and Kheng Choedpa Festival.
[pullquote]
There was also a time, when i worried about the extinction of our traditional songs and dances. Thankfully, introduction of reality shows on Television has changed that.”
Sonam Dorji
Veteran Artist
[/pullquote]
Both these traditional festivals are on the verge of extinction. In an attempt to save the two festivals from extinction, the Music of Bhutan Research Centre prepared the films in a the hope to revive the time tested events.
The award ceremony was attended by the government ministers, senior government officials and many artists.
The award ceremony was organized jointly by the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs and Music of Bhutan Research Centre.
