Monday, February 8, 2010

Rangzen Shonu

A friend of mine, Tenzin Tsetan, is launching a fan site for Rangzen Shonu, basically the best music band in the history of Tibet. www.RangzenShonu.webs.com I was lucky enough to get to write the following introduction:

Rangzen Shonu is a Tibetan rock band that burst on to the exile music scene in the late 1980s, firmly establishing the genre of Tibetan rock and forever changing the landscape of Tibetan music. As one of the first Tibetan rock bands, Rangzen Shonu’s signature sound of soulful song and meaningful lyrics accompanied only by the acoustic and electric guitar captured the hearts and minds of Tibetans in Tibet and in exile. The release in 1987 of their self-produced album titled Rangzen Shonu albums marked a historic moment in the nascent Tibetan music industry.

Rangzen Shonu’s three members were Tenzin Choesang, Norbu Choephel and Paljor. Their songwriter was Professor Ngawang Jinpa. The songs are folk-like in simplicity and sound, evocative of the old songs of the highlands, and yet nuanced and complex in meaning and melody, full of poetry and passion. These absolutely beautiful songs are infused with the spirit of freedom and resistance and resonate powerfully with Tibetans of all generations even today. Their song “We Tibetan Nomads”, one of the most popular Tibetan songs of all time, can be said to function as an unofficial Tibetan national anthem.

Although Rangzen Shonu has now been disbanded for many years, Tibetan music lovers honor and remember their immeasurable contribution to Tibetan music.

7 comments:

Tenzin W. Shakya said...

Wonderful intro!!! Could you direct me towards their CD please? I desperately want one...

Dickyi said...

Thank you :-) I am a huge fan. Unfortunately, their CDs are not available for sale, since out of production. But write me your address. We'll get you a copy!

Anonymous said...

Thank you Ach Dikyi... very sweet of you to offer, but i made it my facebook status and got a copy. Networking rocks! Achi chimmy likes it too, she made herself a copy! Check out my blog if you get a chance sometime :)

Anonymous said...

Guys, if you haven't seen this the youtube video of the Rangzen Shoenu song Rangzen by Paljor, check it out at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZP4Ld-6YH8

enjoy

Anonymous said...

I have been looking for their CDs and Lyric...more than anything i would love to have their lyrics...please help :)

Anonymous said...

Hi. I guess this is too late, but can I get a copy of the CD?

Jhutok said...

Jan 25th, wow I would never have seen your comment except I had to write a line on Rangzen Shonu and thought I would plagiarize myself. Sure. Happy Losar! My email address is jhutok@gmail.com. Send me your email and your address. I'll either send you files or a CD.