Khin Maung Toe

---aka Ko Toe Gyii is also one of my favorite singers. He has a unique style which can ascend my mood sometimes while there are times which makes me so bored. But, still I like a lot of his songs, especially the lyrics. It would be more correct to say that I love the writer composers of his song more than his singing. The usual composers are Ko Ne Win, Ko Maung Maung, Ko Ye Lwin, and Khin Maung Toe (himself). Of course "Ma-har-san-thu" is one of my favorite records, but there are so much more of his songs that I love and it is very hard for me to make a list. In terms of lyrics, "Tha-zin-Nya" is one of my favorite songs. In terms of tunes, I love "Ah-twe-pa-chi" the best. I have heard stories about his legendary band or group associated with Pann-Khayann-pyar Cafe by the Inya Lake white bridge. Pann-Khayan-pyar always remind me of Rangoon University. Recently, he sang a policy song for the Military Power in Burma on television and a lot of his fans have been unhappy about it. As for me, I just feel sorry for him, --- what can he do??? He pretty much has to do what he is asked to do. There are people who love his mix versions of Burmese Sine-wine and modern soft rock Ma-har-san-thu song a few years ago, but it didn't appeal my appetite much. It truly is different, but kind of out of place for me. For me, it is almost like eating sushi with nga-pi instead of wasabi (lol). And the darkly shaded sunglasses everywhere ---???? gotta give it up, especially in the dark, --- but I haven't seen him much with sunglasses lately.

Listen sample song here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0d1Eoxsu6U

the images are from http://www.myanmarmp3.net//download/male/Khin

http://www.geocities.jp/badauk2001/kiku/khin_maung_toe/kmt_04.jpg

Moon Aung

"8/82 Inya" is the first song that introduces me to Moon Aung. I have never seen him personally at concerts or any kind of parties or shows until now. I didn't even know how he looks like until very recent year. He has one of the brave hearts who dare to say "no"as a limit. I hope to hear him sing one day, some day in near future. "Wut-mhong" is my favorite song and "Aye-a-tu-pu-a-hmya" is the song that was played the most.

Listen song here: Wut-mhong sang by Zaw Paing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufzGdnaYoW0
the image is from http://www.walontokyo.com/www.moethaukkye.com/Mon-Aung.gif

Kyaw Thu

Kyaw Thu is a famous actor and director in Burmese film industry. I don't remember if he ever sang a song in a movie or not. I only remember Pyay-Nyein sang a song in "Nay-thar-de-nay La-thar-de-nya". Kyaw Thu became famous with the movie "Ma-ye-maung-Lay". The fashion trend of wearing a short Lone-gyi style was set by Kyaw Thu. Although Kyaw Thu's mentor was Kyaw Hein initially, later Kyaw Thu had exceeded Kyaw Hein in everyway. (Personally, I dislike Kyaw Hein for all the big talks and over acting and lack of originality --- he is just a copy cat of India Movie Star "Ah-mi-tar-ba-jyan".) Even though I was not crazy about Kyaw Thu, I have always given credits for his acting. I used to make fun of his smile because when he smile, his lips become uneven and tilted on one side. (Well, nobody is perfect.) The first time that Kyaw Thu got my attention is probably his first short story illustration movie, played on Burmese Television Program. It was too long ago to remember the whole story and even forgot the title now, but I knew that directing quality was pretty good. It is a comedy story about the love and relationship between a father and a son (I guess). When I found out that that movie was directed by Kyaw Thu, I was really impressed. Later, I have heard that he has directed a lot of movies, I have never seen any of them. When I heard about his effort in organizing a group in helping community by arranging the funerals for people who cannot afford to go through the cost of the funeral, it really inspired me. I was surprised to hear recently when he join with Zarganar in supporting the needs of the protest monks, I was thrilled. Now, I am reading news stating that Kyaw Thu and his wife have been arrested for donating alms for the protest monks. I felt my heart sink heavily. In some news, it is stated that the arrest has not been confirmed. I would love to see the little white dove freely fly into the blue sky. I wish Metta of Buddha, Dhamma, Sanga and people like us will protect Kyaw Thu and his family.

the image is from www.shanland.org and www.MandalyGazette.com

Sai Htee Saing

One of my favorite artists --- who has an attitude of down to earth. I love this trait of his personality. I find his concert that I went long ago --- still very memorable. All the audiences were requesting so many songs constantly that he couldn't even start to sing. Finally, he requested the audience to calm down and promised to sing all the songs that the audience would want to hear. He sang about 20 songs straight and getting soaked in the sweat and everybody became so sorry for him and at the end, after singing his signature song "Maung La Pyay Won", meaning "My Full Moon" and ended the concert, nobody requested any song anymore. The applause and cheering was non-stop for a long, long time. Such a satisfying sensation out of all the concerts that I have ever went. His band "The Wild Ones" is one of my favorite bands, too. I love to listen all his songs and albums except the ones written by Mya Than San. No offense to Mya Than San, it didn't just taste as authentic Sai Htee Saing flavor. Sai Khan Late is the best composer for Sai Hett Saing. There are times that make me want to say that there is no Sai Htee Saing without Sai Khan Late although my other favorite composer, Ko Ne Win, made Sai Htee Saing famous with "Maung La Pyay Won", which becomes a legendary signature song of Sai Htee Saing.

the image is from www.geocities.jp/.../htee_saing_photo_01.jpg
Listen Sample Song Here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdKF5DzJHvI&search=myanmar