 What do people think about censorship and the Lao music industry? Ms Leua, 23, a resident of Xangkhou village, said: "I'm very happy when I listen to the music. I think that there should be many different kinds of songs. If we want to promote the music industry it shouldn't be limited. It's ok that they want to limit the use of Thai words because that's not our language. But there shouldn't be any limitation on the contents of a song. I think music should be about what's going on in our society. I think there's an art of listening to music. Now we mostly have songs that talk about love, it becomes so boring to listen to. If we want to make good music, the artists should be allowed to create many different songs. There should be many alternatives for the listeners to enjoy. Some songs are very popular with the public. But the authorities prohibit playing some of these songs because they aren't suitable. When I listen to music, it's to relax; we shouldn't be so serious." Mr Parn Duangpaseuth, 30, a local singer, said: "I think that music is something that every culture needs because it makes the society more colourful. The music scene in our country is about to explode because many people are giving the 'next generation' the opportunity to become singers. But, I don't think it's living up to its full potential yet. I think there should be more professional artists. Now some people just take a microphone. They have never learned how to sing a song, but here they can be pop stars. There are several business people who want to invest in the music industry, this is the reason why the number of singers is increasing, but the quality is not so good. As far as I know, people in other countries may have some talent, but they also have to learn many singing techniques and gain experience before they become famous stars. I think that the authorities are giving us the opportunity to fully develop our music. I also think that it's good that the Government puts some limits on what is allowed and what is not. I understand the authorities, if we allow too many foreign influences, our own culture will be lost. Right now artists in Laos have enough opportunities to show their ability and bring their own style to the public." Duangmixay Likaya, Deputy Director General of the Department of Fine Arts, Ministry of Information and Culture, said: "There is a lot of music out there that we should consider whether we want in our society or not. This depends on the content of the music. I think the music that we distribute to the public should talk about the development of the country or the promotion of Lao culture. It should not be music that is in conflict with or destroying our culture. Some songs are clearly not in sync with the policy and ideas of the Government. We will tell the Lao media not to air these songs. We don't care if songs talk about love or hate. However, it must be in step with a positive vision of our country. Our rules require that every song must be passed by the ministry to check that it suits Lao culture and Government policy. But there are some songs that are not heard by officials, and once they reach the public there's nothing we can do. Presently we can't control this problem because we don't have the means for controlling what goes into the composition of a song. Some songs that talk about subjects like 'begging for money from your wife to pay for a room with another woman…' This is not suitable, and we will soon be notifying the media which songs are permitted or not permitted." Mr Khamlek Sisavad, 32, a resident of Simeuang village, said: "I think it's good that there is some censorship. I heard that there is a song that the authorities banned because it's in conflict with our culture and it's upsetting women. There are many subjects that people can sing about and many words that we can use to express ourselves. But they should be Lao words and respect Lao culture. Some teenagers use Thai words when they sing a Lao song because they watch too much Thai TV. The number of singers is increasing and so is the number of records produced. I believe they should be checked all the time for use of correct language so they don't have to be banned when released to the public." Ms Jouly, 17, a resident of Sikhai village, said: "The music industry in Laos seems very healthy to me, there are many singers right now and most of them are teenagers like me. Many people, especially teenagers, like to listen to Lao music instead of foreign music. And Lao concerts are also very popular. I don't think Lao songs are just popular in Vientiane, they are popular in other provinces too. I used to live in Luang Prabang and I have just come to Vientiane, but I already knew about the famous singers in town. I think our singers are good, but they should improve the music videos: they should make them more enjoyable. I like all the different music styles. I don't care if it's pop or rock and I don't care about the words or the topic of a song. But, I don't think adults will accept it so easily, they think that the meaning is very important. Some songs are already popular, but adults can still order it to be stopped because they think it is unfit." |
This website is in no way affiliated with Google or any part of Google, Inc. All images and page design are Copyright © 2008 GoogleLaos.com All Rights Reserved. |