For those looking to understand the heritage of Thailand’s northeastern Isan locale—the country’s biggest territory that is home to more than 22 million individuals—no other artistic phenomenon reflects its character more than the lovely style of folk music known as Mo Lam.
The present Doodle commends the 89th birthday celebration of the Thai singer crowned the “Queen of Mo Lam,” Bunpheng Faiphiuchai.
Brought into the world on this day in 1932 in Ubon Ratchathani Province of Isan, Thailand, Bunpheng Faiphiuchai started performing Mo Lam at a young age. Mo Lam performances were uncomplicated during this era—one male and one female vocalist brought stories from Isan writing by holding a musical “debate” joined by the rhythmic sounds of the khaen (a bamboo mouth organ portrayed in the Doodle artwork).
Following quite a while of training, Faiphiuchai became known for her witty philosophical reactions to her male counterparts and before long got some work as a Mo Lam performer.
By 1955, Faiphiuchai recorded more full-length albums than some other woman in the genre. She supplemented her distinguished singing career with philanthropic endeavors like promoting infectious disease prevention, environmental initiatives, and different types of Thai performance art.
Faiphiuchai was named a Thai National Artist in 1997 for her outstanding cultural contributions and passed down this novel Mo Lam ability to various students for the duration of her life.
Today, large numbers of her pupils are well-known performers of Mo Lam which stays a fundamental part of Thailand’s rich cultural heritage.
Happy Birthday, Bunpheng Faiphiuchai! Much thanks to you for fostering the up and coming age of Mo Lam performers!