Lao Pop Music in 10 Artists

This post was originally published on Culture Trip. To read the original and watch the accompanying music videos, click here. 

So much of pop culture in Laos from movies to television to pop stars is dominated by Thai superstars. Laos, however, has its own brand of icons creating original music and singing in Lao and English for audiences all over the world. Check out these 10 Lao pop musicians. 

Annita

Annita Chanthrasomboune is a Lao pop and R&B artist. She’s graced magazine covers, won the 2011 Lao Music Award’s “Best New Female Pop Artist” and has advertised Coca Cola, cell phones, jewelry and Johnny Walker.

Taiy

Taiy Akard is a Lao pop artist and guitar player with Indee Records. His hits include Teng, Release ປົດປ່ອຍ, Until the Last Day ຈົນກ່ວາວັນສຸດທ້າຍ and To Dream.

Jojo Miracle

Jojo Miracle began his singing career covering pop songs and uploading his recordings to YouTube. Now a pop sensation in Laos with Indee Records, Jojo is crooning soulful R&B.

Sam Intharaphithak

Sam Intharaphithak is a Lao R&B singer/song writer based in Vientiane with Indee Records. He wrote and performed the theme song of the 2009 Southeast Asian Games, “The Spirit of the Flame.”

Alexandra Bounxouei

Alexandra Bounxouei is a Lao pop singer. “The Sun Will Shine Again” is a collaboration with Sam Intharaphithak for the United Nations Development Programme in Laos to support victims of unexploded ordinances.

CELLs

CELLs is the number 1 band in Laos. They are a six-member Lao rock band that has gained popularity in Thailand as well. They have released music on a Thai music label. Their music has also been featured on movie soundtracks.

Touly

Touly Bidalack is a Lao pop artist from Luang Prabang. She was the recipient of the Best New Artist of the Year from the Lao Music Awards in 2008 and won the best female pop song of the year from the Lao Music Awards in 2013.

Kataiy

Kataiy is a solo pop artist and heartthrob. He sings mainly about love, relationships and heartache. His ballads are heartfelt and set to guitar and a heavy dose of high hat.

Ketsana Vilaylack

Ketsana Vilaylack is a Lao pop artist born in Savannakhet who has 10 albums under her belt. She is named after a rare Lao tree used to make scented perfumes. She produces experimental pop world music and is currently based out of Nashville.

Supasang

Sang Luangrath, AKA, Supasang, is a Lao rapper based in the U.S. Born in Vientiane, he moved to Orange County when he was eight and began rapping at age 13. He has several mix tapes, an album and a documentary film about him called Supasang: In The Making.