Daoviang Butnakho (Lao: ດາວວຽງ ບຸດນາໂຄ, also spelled Daovieng Boudnakho; 3 August 1954 – 6 March 2019), was a famous Laotian writer, poet, journalist, musician and songwriter in the genres Luk thung and Phleng Phuea Chiwit. He won the National Artist award from Laos in 2011.^[1][2]

Early life

He was born in Khong District, Champasak Province, Laos. He was a son of Ngiem and Khampan Butnakho. He has eleven siblings.

Career

Daoviang Butnakho started work as a journalist in Laotian newspaper Suksa Mai, and wrote many novels, poets and articles.^[3]

In 1992, he started working as a musician and songwriter, and was successful. He wrote songs for The Supphies, a Laotian rock music band.^[3]

In 1996, Butnakho started to write songs in the genre Luk thung in Laos.^[3] He composed for successful Laotian artists including Daeng Douangduean, Bounkerd Niuhuang, Ki Daophet Niuhuang, Kee Morakot, and Xaiyo Kotamee.^[3]

In 2002, he wrote the song Kaem Daeng Raeng Jai, which was sung by Tai Orathai.^[3][4]

In 2007, Isan music became very popular in Laos and he stopped songwriting.^[3] During his time as a composer, he composed more than 500 songs.^[3]

Death

Butnakho died on 6 March 2019 from diabetes^[5] in a hospital in Champasak Province, aged 64.^[3][6]

Discography

In popular culture

In 1999, Komphet Phorncharoen wrote a song titled "Namta Sao Warin" (น้ำตาสาววาริน), which was sung sang by the Isan singer Jintara Poonlarp. The melody came from the pattern of "Sao Simueang",^[3] which was written by Butnakho and sang by Bounkerd Niuhuang.

In 2002, Sala Khunnawut covered two songs by Butnakho for the album Phleng Dang Song Fang Khong by Mike Phiromphon.^[3]

References