Headline: “Acclaimed Tibetan Singer Lobsang Passes Away at 39”
In other major news from the Tibetan music industry, prominent Tibetan singer Lobsang, known for his patriotic songs and criticism of Chinese policies, has succumbed to a lengthy illness, as per sources both in Tibet and in exile. He was just 39 years old.
Lobsang, who rose to fame during his early years, had a total of eight albums to his name. On February 18, he lost his battle to a liver disease at a medical facility in Chengdu, a city in southwest China’s Sichuan province, an insider from Tibet reported, requesting anonymity for safety purposes.
“Lobsang was frequently called in for questioning and detained due to the political undertones in some of his songs,” the source revealed.
Born and raised in Kyungchu county in Sichuan province, Lobsang devoted his life to creating music and producing numerous albums. His work, often filled with political sentiment, raised suspicions of activism against the Chinese government, an exiled source confided with RFA.
The Chinese authorities imposed travel restrictions on the singer, barring him from visiting Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, among other places. “Although he wasn’t incarcerated for long durations, he was regularly interrogated and detained,” the source added.
Tributes Pour in on Social Media
In the aftermath of Lobsang’s demise, Tibetans residing in Tibet, in exile, and across China voiced their sorrow on various social media platforms.
“I’ve been a fan of his music since my early years. The loss of this singer, who was so passionate about the Tibetan people, deeply saddens me,” shared a Tibetan user.
Lobsang’s music, spread across his eight albums and numerous other recordings, struck a chord with the Tibetan community. His music often featured themes of Tibet’s struggle, including songs like “Suffering and Happiness of the Snow Land,” “World Peace,” “Future of Tibet’s Children,” “Protector,” and “Fate of Tibetans.”
Owing to the profound meaning behind his lyrics, he was often referred to as “patriotic singer Lobsang” by his local fans. “His music was as comforting and familiar as a mentor, accompanying us through countless unforgettable moments,” wrote another social media user.
A Tibetan resident, speaking in a WeChat voice chat group, disclosed that Lobsang’s health had been unstable, with periods of seeming stability followed by rapid decline, leading up to his passing.
Kunchok Tsering, a Tibetan based in India who archives songs and writings by Tibetan artists in Tibet, regards Lobsang as one of the region’s finest singers. “His music frequently praises His Holiness the Dalai Lama and embodies love for his homeland, Tibet. His bravery and audacity in creating such music were truly admirable,” Tsering commented.
Lobsang’s song “Nyi-Dha-Kar Sum,” or “Sun-Star-Moon,” a tribute to Tibet’s three spiritual leaders, particularly stands out. The sun symbolizes His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the Moon signifies the Panchen Lama, and the star represents the Karmapa, the head of the 900-year-old Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism and one of Tibet’s most esteemed religious figures.
“His lyrics are deeply impactful,” Tsering added.
Article adapted by Tenzin Dickyi for RFA Tibetan. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Malcolm Foster.
