A Burmese pop singer, who grew up idolising far away megastars, describes decades of political isolation as like being “locked up in a cold, dark cave… some people around the world even didn’t notice we exist.” The country’s pop is dominated by copies of international tunes, from the power ballads of Celine Dion to the soft rock strains of Rod Stewart, accompanied by sometimes incongruous Burmese lyrics about heartbreak and failed love. Only a few artists are able to struggle into the mainstream in the country, where rampant piracy has suffocated the music industry and strict censorship controlled everything from lyrics to outfits.
But sweeping reforms after the end of junta rule last year raise the prospect of exposure to the influence – and copyright laws – of the outside world and hopes of a shake-up that could revitalise the music scene. Burma has indicated it will review its copyright laws to bring them into line with international standards, although it is unclear when that process might take place. The move could require copy acts to apply for permission from intellectual property owners to translate their songs into Burmese – providing an incentive for artists to write their own lyrics.
Government moves to relax control of the Internet mean music fans can now access thousands of tunes on the YouTube video-sharing website. For most of Burma’s population, however, pop means street corner stalls selling pirated copies of films and music videos. Some described piracy as “uncontrollable”, with fake copies of her videos undercutting sales of her albums, which retail for about US$2.
Me N Ma Girls have seen a lighter-touch censorship as reforms swept the country in the last year – meaning they were the first act to be allowed to wear coloured wigs in their videos. But their attempt to blend tight traditional costumes with energetic Western-style dance moves continues to pose a logistical challenge. Getting a gig is also difficult in the conservative country, where women playing in bars is equated with the sex industry, said May.
2012.03.31 MyanmarTimes Local pop stars brace for lyrical revolution
2012.03.31 DVB Possible progress on the pop and piracy front