A Look at the Music Industry All The Way in Myanmar!

To make a long story short, I had a crazy upbringing and lived all over the world. My parents were teachers and every 2 to 4 years, we would move to a different country. Along the way, I made some incredible friends from all over the world.

One such example is my high school friend, Seng Ing Yup who has gone on to make quite a name for herself in the music business. Her YouTube music videos have been viewed tens of thousands of times and she is quite local celebrity in the South-East Asian country of Myanmar where we first met 17 years ago.

Map of Myanmar

The dominantly Buddhist country of Burma or commonly called Myanmar is bordered by Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand. It is an incredibly beautiful country with some of the kindest and sweetest people that you will ever meet.

When I learned of the musical journey, my friend, Ms.Yup took after we graduated, I just had to interview her and find out what the music industry is like in this wonderful country I called home for 6 years.

What’s the best part about being a Burmese/Kachin State superstar singer?

The contribution I make by using my place as a singer has gotten me involved with social activities and I have a social responsibility now, like helping the IDPs who are in need during these difficult times. (IDPs are Internally Displaced Persons which is a huge issue right now in the Kachin State of Myanmar)

What is the majority of your music about?

Love and some of the songs are about the wonders and beautiful land of Kachin State.

Here is Seng Ing wearing the traditional Kachin wardrobe

Has social media been the best way to get your music exposed?

Yes it has been the perfect way. Google and YouTube has kept me alive with my fans inside and outside of Myanmar.

Your fiance is a singer in Myanmar as well. What is it like having two musicians in the family?

It’s very harmonious since we have the same interest. We usually travel together for concerts and we have fun making music together. We are currently working on my 2nd Kachin album with him being the producer.

Here is Seng Ing singing with her fiance (right) and a friend (left).

Can you describe the music business in Myanmar?

There is the main stream which my fiance is in and that’s Burmese music. I am of what you would call minority music, because I concentrate mainly on the Kachin Language. The music industry is becoming more alive here this past year since there is a demand for variety compared to 10 years ago.

Would you like to take your career outside of Myanmar?

Yes very much so! Music is a universal language and I am confident that the international community will appreciate our Kachin music.

Who are some musicians that you admire today? Who are new musicians that are you loving now? Who would you like to work with?

Honestly, I have been away from the music industry for a long time but there are some local artists I would love to work with. I have always been a fan of American country music, especially Shania Twain. A duet with her would be nice 🙂

Where can your music be bought? Do you have a promotional company/label that you work with?

It can bought in the stores of Myanmar. I am not connected to any promotional company or label at the moment.

What’s the hardest part about being in the music industry in Myanmar?

Producing good quality music is the hardest part. Since our country came about with many English covered songs, it is very hard to find original composers. But I find that in the past 4 years, we have more bands and artists who are looking to be more original rather than “copies” of international artists.

What is one piece of advice that you would give to an aspiring singer?

Never give up. Wait for your turn. If you hold on till you have no choice, your aspirations will become a reality.

For more information on my friend and hopefully soon to be international superstar, check out Seng Ing’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ysenging?fref=ts