Mon music: A struggle for identity

(Kaowao, November 12, 2005)

Two popular Mon music bands, Geeta Mon and Geeta Alankar, are banned to perform on stage, says an observer of the entertainment community from Mon State.

The Southeast Commander, who occupies a top military position in lower Burma, issued the order, says Nai Aie Tamai, a Mon musician from Mudon.  Since early October, the bands have been told to stop performing on stage.

“They (SPDC) do not like us. It is clear they want us off the stage. I think the reason is because Burmese music bands in Mon State are not that popular, so the SPDC just told us to pack it up,” he added. However, the Mon celebrities from Geeta Mon and Geeta Alankar are still performing with the other bands and have to conceal their names to do so. 

Mon music is well liked by most teens in Mon State and many Mons have no interest in singing Burmese songs, according to an owner of music store in Moulmein, the capital city of Mon State.

“Geeta Mon and Geeta Alankar featuring Mon singers have a wide range of fans and there is no competition in Mon State,” Tamai said.

Mon musicians have stepped outside of their social boundaries in recent years and travel frequently to Thailand to perform outdoor concerts. Mon singers are popular among migrant workers and youths who come to the most popular of Mon festivals over the holidays in the Mon community in Mahachai and Sangkhalaburi, especially on Mon National Day and temple festivals. 

Not only can the Mon singers outperform their Burmese competitors, but also Mon theaters (Pwe) are well attended. Even though a night at the Mon theater is two or three times more expensive than Burmese ones, Mon audiences rather pay the high fee to attend their own national theater.