Ngawang has previously composed and performed a song about the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday but has never met the Tibetan spiritual leader. He was asked to play at the Dalai Lama’s event at the O2 after he was picked up by BBC Radio 3 in the inaugural year of the BBC introducing World Music scheme, with many of his songs broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and a slot on the BBC Radio 3 Charlie Gillett stage at WOMAD on Sunday 26 July.
The news that Ngawang will perform at the Dalai Lama’s public talk is the latest twist in an incredible story of triumph over adversity for the singing ex-monk, who 10 years ago fled his life in a Tibetan monastery, trekking for 18 days, 250 miles, to pursue a life where he could freely express himself. He left his homeland with only the clothes on his back and basic provisions to get to Nepal before finally arriving in the UK in London, 2004, where he built a new life. After settling in the UK, Ngawang performed as a highly sought after singer amongst the Tibetan Diaspora in Europe but was picked up by BBC Radio 3 in April 2015 in the inaugural year of a BBC Introducing World Music scheme, which gives undiscovered and unsigned music artists a platform through working with BBC Radio 3’s World on 3 programme.
Commenting on the news, Ngawang Lodup says: “I’m absolutely honoured to be performing at the public talk by his Holiness the Dalai Lama at the 02. His Holiness is an inspiration to millions around the world and has dedicated his life to peace, compassion, freedom and religious harmony.
"When I left my homeland over a decade ago I could never have dreamt my songs would one day be played on BBC Radio 3 or to express my sincere gratitude to his Holiness the Dalai Lama through my music. It is a very magical feeling and I feel very blessed.”
Alan Davey, Controller of BBC Radio 3 says: “ We’re delighted for Ngawang, it’s such a success story and testament to the power of BBC Music, that through BBC Introducing and BBC Radio 3’s exposure we can help support the artistic community in this way.”
Ngawang comes from a long line of well-known folk singers from the Amdo region of Tibet - a beautiful but harsh environment high on the north-eastern corner of the Tibetan Plateau known for fine horses, wild grasslands and nomadic culture. He learnt his unique repertoire of mountain songs from an early age, listening to his mother singing during the day as she carried him on her back while tending yak and sheep herds. He also creates his own songs playing both the electric Mandolin and the traditional Tibetan Dramnyen lute. During his time in a Tibetan monastery, as a monk, he used to sneak his instruments in to the grounds to play to the other monks.
As the only dedicated world music programme on network radio, BBC Radio 3’s World On 3 broadcast Ngawang’s songs in March, including Gratitude, a tribute to the Dalai Lama on his 80th birthday, and Homesick a song about missing his family in Tibet. He will perform at the BBC Radio 3 Charlie Gillett Stage at WOMAD on Sunday 26 July at 11.30am and this will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and simulcast on Cerys Matthews 6 music programme.
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