BHUTAN
JIGME DRUKPA – LING SHO LA
So let me get this straight...Bhutan’s ubiquitous genre – rigsa – is inspired by a Japanese song (Sayonara Sayonara) from a Hindi film set in Tokyo (Love in Tokyo). Bhutan’s music scene is largely polarised between modern rigsar and traditional folk in the form of Zhungdra or Boedra. In a country with as rich musical tradition as Bhutan, it would be criminal to overlook classic folk. Zhungdra is the endemic style and Jigme Drukpa is the forerunner in the genre. The complexity of the vocal tone has alienated artists and listeners, even the naturally talented struggle with the winding unpredictability of the vocal changes. The oriental style, the simplistic and delicate backing and the complete lack of percussion make for an exciting and dramatic yet still and meditative listen. A perfect glimpse into Bhutanese culture.