World music diva creates magic
By Xu Wei |
March 3, 2013, Sunday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
DIVA Sa Dingding, of mixed Han and Mongolian heritage, is arguably one of China's most famous folk singers and songwriters, renowned for combining ethnic exotica with Western electronica and soul.
The result is ethereal, eclectic music. Wearing spectacular costumes, she not only sings in Mandarin, but also Tibetan, Sanskrit and a self-invented language she calls Lagu Lagu.
She created an online video sensation in 2006 singing her made-up language, wearing a glittering, out-of-this-world gown and exotic makeup.
She has performed at music festivals around the world and this summer she launches a tour of Europe and America.
Last week she performed at a charity concert of Buddhist music in Shanghai, for an audience that included autistic children. Her haunting voice and crossover songs clearly moved the audience and created a feeling of tranquility. She was joined by Taiwanese pop singer Chyi Yu,
Sa, who is aged 29, spent her early years with her grandmother in the grasslands of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, later moving to Beijing. She studied Buddhism and taught herself Tibetan and Sanskrit. She also plays traditional Chinese instruments, the guzheng or Chinese zither, and matouqin or horse-head fiddle.
She later moved to Beijing and studied music at the People's Liberation Army Academy of Arts.
She became a hit almost overnight with her first album "Alive" in 2008. She had recorded it originally to please herself and expressed surprise at its commercial success.
The album won BBC Radio 3's World Music Award for the Asia Pacific Region that year. She was the first Chinese singer so honored.
Sa travels extensively to learn about ancient cultures and philosophies, seeking inspiration for her own work.
She spoke to Shanghai Daily last week about charity, her views of the music industry and plans for the year.
Q: Is charity a life-long mission?
A: Everyone plays a particular role in the long stream of history. Doing charity is a big pleasure for me since it boosts by spiritual growth and understanding. It's also helping myself while I help others. There is an old Chinese adage that "great virtue carries all things." That's also my motto and part of my life. It influences my attitudes and choices.
Q: What are your plans for 2013?
A: I took up singing as a career out of a pure passion and enthusiasm for music. After some years of fame and attention, I will remind myself of this as I embark on a world tour this summer to Europe and the United States. I will spend a lot of time at contemporary art museums to learn about the roots of other cultures and arts.
Q: You judge the TV singing contest "The Voice of Company" (unearthing office worker singing talent). What's your view of star-making shows?
A: When I was young I also took part in TV singing competitions. What the contestants earnestly need from judges is encouragement and good advice. I like judging these shows since it's an exciting way to discover talent. If the shows are not too commercial, they can evoke young people's emotions for music.
Q: What's your view of China's music industry?
A: Compared with many developed foreign countries, there are few platforms for talented musicians and pop singers in China. We don't have a mature mechanism to select talents from televised shows. Each singer needs the right positioning and a long-term plan for development.
Q: What is your understanding of music?
A: Music has no boundaries. Audiences in different countries understand a universal language of feelings and thoughts. Singing is the first language our ancestors used to communicate. I will continue to work on songs that have natural appeal.
The result is ethereal, eclectic music. Wearing spectacular costumes, she not only sings in Mandarin, but also Tibetan, Sanskrit and a self-invented language she calls Lagu Lagu.
She created an online video sensation in 2006 singing her made-up language, wearing a glittering, out-of-this-world gown and exotic makeup.
She has performed at music festivals around the world and this summer she launches a tour of Europe and America.
Last week she performed at a charity concert of Buddhist music in Shanghai, for an audience that included autistic children. Her haunting voice and crossover songs clearly moved the audience and created a feeling of tranquility. She was joined by Taiwanese pop singer Chyi Yu,
Sa, who is aged 29, spent her early years with her grandmother in the grasslands of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, later moving to Beijing. She studied Buddhism and taught herself Tibetan and Sanskrit. She also plays traditional Chinese instruments, the guzheng or Chinese zither, and matouqin or horse-head fiddle.
She later moved to Beijing and studied music at the People's Liberation Army Academy of Arts.
She became a hit almost overnight with her first album "Alive" in 2008. She had recorded it originally to please herself and expressed surprise at its commercial success.
The album won BBC Radio 3's World Music Award for the Asia Pacific Region that year. She was the first Chinese singer so honored.
Sa travels extensively to learn about ancient cultures and philosophies, seeking inspiration for her own work.
She spoke to Shanghai Daily last week about charity, her views of the music industry and plans for the year.
Q: Is charity a life-long mission?
A: Everyone plays a particular role in the long stream of history. Doing charity is a big pleasure for me since it boosts by spiritual growth and understanding. It's also helping myself while I help others. There is an old Chinese adage that "great virtue carries all things." That's also my motto and part of my life. It influences my attitudes and choices.
Q: What are your plans for 2013?
A: I took up singing as a career out of a pure passion and enthusiasm for music. After some years of fame and attention, I will remind myself of this as I embark on a world tour this summer to Europe and the United States. I will spend a lot of time at contemporary art museums to learn about the roots of other cultures and arts.
Q: You judge the TV singing contest "The Voice of Company" (unearthing office worker singing talent). What's your view of star-making shows?
A: When I was young I also took part in TV singing competitions. What the contestants earnestly need from judges is encouragement and good advice. I like judging these shows since it's an exciting way to discover talent. If the shows are not too commercial, they can evoke young people's emotions for music.
Q: What's your view of China's music industry?
A: Compared with many developed foreign countries, there are few platforms for talented musicians and pop singers in China. We don't have a mature mechanism to select talents from televised shows. Each singer needs the right positioning and a long-term plan for development.
Q: What is your understanding of music?
A: Music has no boundaries. Audiences in different countries understand a universal language of feelings and thoughts. Singing is the first language our ancestors used to communicate. I will continue to work on songs that have natural appeal.
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