LATSAMY PHOUDINDONG

Andy Chan

Lao folk music is experiencing a vibrant resurgence, thanks in part to the charismatic new “princess of Morlam,” Latsamy Phoudindong. It’s a wonderful thing to see a new generation embracing our own unique music and instruments, traditions that have been passed down for generations. Despite countless outside influences, Lao traditional music remains as popular as ever—a testament to the resilience of our culture.

Today, many talented new artists are emerging, giving our youth a reason to dream and feel confident in creating beautiful music. One of the most cherished aspects of our culture is our relaxed and friendly nature; even stars are as humble as everyone else.

Latsamy Phoudindong has become a creative force behind the re-emergence of Morlam. With her exotic name, lovely smile, and absolutely gorgeous voice, she’s bringing the genre back to its former glory. For many, including me, Morlam was the first music we ever fell in love with as Lao people.

One of her best songs, “Kub Gneum,” is a masterpiece of art. It’s a type of traditional Lao music that shows how our people have entertained themselves for centuries. The music video is a highly skilled presentation of Lao folk music at its finest—it’s utterly irresistible. The sound is simple, pure, and smooth, and Latsamy’s voice is both powerful and graceful. The exclusive use of traditional instruments perfectly captures the beautiful Lao sound. This is a great example of a traditional Lao affair with a modern twist that makes you want to dance with pure joy.

Laos is now a place of change in Southeast Asia, and nowhere is that more evident than in the entertainment industry. While Lao folk music is as popular as it has ever been, there has also been a recent surge in pop culture, and Lao pop music is reaching beyond our borders.

This brings up a simple and exciting question: can we be both modern and truly Lao at the same time? The answer, as shown by artists like Latsamy, is a resounding “yes.” We can embrace the best of both worlds, looking forward to the new challenges and opportunities that a changing world brings, while staying true to our heritage.