I have literally no idea what is going on in this video. I mean, obviously it’s a song and dance performance. From what I can gather, the two singers are Aung Htet and Ni Ni Khin Zaw, both from Myanmar, and I think the song is called “Mingalar Par”. But I’m fascinated by the set up, as it appears to be staged specifically for the screen. Especially the opening dance with all of that side panel editing.
But what I’m most curious about is the context of this performance. I did a quick search for “Myanmar 1958”, and it would seem that that was the year of the country’s first military coup. Given what’s been happening in that country for the past two years, I would have thought that that’s not exactly something they would want to celebrate. And yet this video reminds me a lot of a New Year’s Eve broadcast. But then again, I don’t speak Burmese, so I have no idea what the singers are saying. The lyrics could be a protest or state propaganda, I have no idea. But either way, this video is fascinating. And I must admit that the song is quite catchy as well. Unknown lyrics notwithstanding.
Suggestions for artists I should check out? Please contact me with your ideas. I hope you enjoyed your daily helping of art!
