Music empowers peopleAni Choying Drolma
We know Ani Choying Drolma as the famous singing nun who gave us the beautiful song -Phool Ko Aakha Ma Phool Hai Sansara. Gifted with a voice that stays on with the listener even after the music has stopped, Ani is a role model for the contemporary woman. She emanates a quiet and dignified confidence and is always present to further the cause of peace and empowerment. I meet Ani Choying Drolma for this issue’s Musical Conversation... she made me laugh, she shared her thoughts, her ideas on music in itself a symphony. Some excerpts.
What is the kind of music you enjoy?
Listening to music should be a comfortable experience. I like music that is smooth and easy to listen to. It should not be too loud. Old Nepali and Hindi songs have music that I enjoy. Of course, I do listen to new singers and their latest songs. I might not listen to them over and over, but just to know what their music is about.
How do you like to listen to music?
I like listening to music at convenience. I find myself listening to music most while I am driving.
What is your opinion on the various genres of music today?
Different people like to listen to different things. I think it has something to do with age too and that probably makes a difference to their choice in music. So it's okay. It's good to have a lot of choices. I have listened to rap too but just to get a taste of what the music is like.
What is the importance of music in your life?I have to say it is one of the most beautiful things I have been blessed with. It has worked as a magic wand in my life, not only to fulfil my own wishes but also to fulfil other people's wishes. So I would say it is one of the best things in my life. Music is something that you can take refuge in any kind of situation, be it when you are sad or happy. And that also makes me think it is the best refuge for somebody who is not very religious or spiritual. Music can accompany you everywhere.
How did you get initiated into singing and to take it up professionally?
Well it is human nature to be interested in music. People like to hum. I never really trained to become a professional. But, as you know, in monasteries when we perform our ritual ceremonies we always have to learn how to perform music. In monasteries when we engage ourselves in spiritual practice, music is a very big part of our ceremony. We might not necessarily sing to have fun but music is important. We use it in a very devotional way. So we use some instruments to perform our chants.
And I think, by nature, I have always been someone who loves music and dancing even though I am a nun. Well, my teachers thought I had potential after they saw me perform during our rituals. Then someone in America thought I had it in me to be a singer and somehow it all came together.
How does it feel to perform in front of so many people?
The ambience is obviously different and there are a lot of people focused on you. But I never really feel nervous. Once I start to sing I just close my eyes so whether I am alone or with other people it makes no difference to me. During my first concert tour in America I was not nervous, but then I had to learn to be nervous because people kept coming up to me and asking "Ani, are you nervous?" When we are in monasteries and we perform mantras or spiritual songs we are always with hundreds of people. The only difference perhaps is that I am on stage with the musicians playing, not amongst nuns but in front of other people. But then I close my eyes and when I sing my attitude is definitely the same as it is when I am singing in the monastery. So nothing bothered me, but then when I kept hearing "Are you nervous?" I thought maybe I am supposed to be nervous. Then I became a little conscious. But nowadays I don't really think about it. The attitude is not to do the best, or to be the best singer or to sing the best song. I never sing tragic love songs. I sing spiritual songs and it should be based on devotion, deep concentration as you would in meditation. When the sincerity of your attitude is quite clear none of the other emotions matter. I don't really look forward to being the best but I sing with full sincerity and devotion.
Are you inspired by anyone, musical or otherwise?
My teacher, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, is my greatest inspiration. Spiritually, musically and in every other way I can think of, I have been very inspired by him. If people find anything good in me and in my music I would credit it to him. There is a Celion Dion song which I think is perfect to express my feelings towards my guru, Tulku Ugyen Rinpoche. It's called "Because You Loved Me".
One song of yours that you really like?
"Ghari Ghari" which I would dedicate to my teacher.
Is there any singer that you really like?
There is not necessarily one artist that I prefer or listen to a lot. It depends on the song actually. I do not have any particular favourite. I listen to a lot of Nhyoo Bajracharya'ssongs. He is my composer so, of course, I enjoy his music. (laughs) Narayan Gopal's songs are wonderful. I like his song "Euta Manche Ko". And I think Norah Jones has a beautiful voice, the way she sings is really beautiful. Other artists I like are Tracy Chapman and Whitney Houston.
How has music empowered you as a person?
It has empowered me in every way. Even during my spiritual meditation practice music has helped me to do it better. And then, it has helped me earn a lot of money and a lot of good will from people. A lot of money means I was able to get a lot of freedom to do whatever I wanted to do, in terms of social work or in terms of fulfilling my personal wishes. It also empowered me by giving me confidence and the courage and the belief that I could do a lot. That I can achieve anything. I use music to strengthen myself and find a way to reach the others with a message. So I am able to use music for my spiritual achievement, to make money, to take care of others. It always gave me the power.
Can music empower people?It can empower anybody. I think it depends on the attitude of the person who uses it. It also depends on your motivation, how you want to use it. People use it for spiritual empowerment, political empowerment, women's empowerment. And I believe music can be the best tool to use. Don't you think your message will sound more beautiful when you sing it instead of shouting and being aggressive? Then you can enjoy it at the same time and feel secure in your motive about what you want.
A song which you would dedicate to a woman.
The most beautiful example of a woman is a mother. I have an album called "Aama" dedicated to all the mothers and I would choose the song "Aama Bhanda".
Any upcoming musical plans?
On 6 April in Patan Museum, Music Nepal is organising a concert for me. After that I will be flying to Taiwan for some concerts. I am also working on a children's album. The idea is to provide songs which children can sing and also songs which mothers can sing to their children. I have noticed that often children sing songs that are really not appropriate for them. They may not know what they are singing but it is just not suitable for them to sing such songs. They should be singing about things like nature, birds, rain, grandpa, chicken and flowers. And mothers should not be singing tragic love songs to their children. In the days past, it seems that mothers used to sing lullabies to their children and I think that tradition is fading away. So keeping that in my mind I thought it would be nice to work on such an album.
How do you choose your songs?
For me it is to do with social responsibility. I have to be able to know that I can contribute something to making this society a better place. So this is my way of contributing as a citizen of the country.
Your most memorable concert?
In 2010 I was high up in the mountains in Manang. That was a concert that was very special to me. From the place to the people to the way they came together and treated me, everything was really beautiful.
A song that reminds you of your childhood.
I have fond memories of dancing to "Makhmali Cholo Chaidaina" and "Mai Chori Sundari".
Would you ever sing a duet with anyone?
Yogeshwor Amayta and I are working towards spreading awareness about organ donation. So just recently I was telling him that perhaps we could sing together and spread the message. Personally, I like the way he sings so maybe we can work together.
We know Ani Choying Drolma as the famous singing nun who gave us the beautiful song -Phool Ko Aakha Ma Phool Hai Sansara. Gifted with a voice that stays on with the listener even after the music has stopped, Ani is a role model for the contemporary woman. She emanates a quiet and dignified confidence and is always present to further the cause of peace and empowerment. I meet Ani Choying Drolma for this issue’s Musical Conversation... she made me laugh, she shared her thoughts, her ideas on music in itself a symphony. Some excerpts. What is the kind of music you enjoy?
Listening to music should be a comfortable experience. I like music that is smooth and easy to listen to. It should not be too loud. Old Nepali and Hindi songs have music that I enjoy. Of course, I do listen to new singers and their latest songs. I might not listen to them over and over, but just to know what their music is about.
How do you like to listen to music?
I like listening to music at convenience. I find myself listening to music most while I am driving.
What is your opinion on the various genres of music today?
Different people like to listen to different things. I think it has something to do with age too and that probably makes a difference to their choice in music. So it's okay. It's good to have a lot of choices. I have listened to rap too but just to get a taste of what the music is like.
What is the importance of music in your life?I have to say it is one of the most beautiful things I have been blessed with. It has worked as a magic wand in my life, not only to fulfil my own wishes but also to fulfil other people's wishes. So I would say it is one of the best things in my life. Music is something that you can take refuge in any kind of situation, be it when you are sad or happy. And that also makes me think it is the best refuge for somebody who is not very religious or spiritual. Music can accompany you everywhere.How did you get initiated into singing and to take it up professionally?
Well it is human nature to be interested in music. People like to hum. I never really trained to become a professional. But, as you know, in monasteries when we perform our ritual ceremonies we always have to learn how to perform music. In monasteries when we engage ourselves in spiritual practice, music is a very big part of our ceremony. We might not necessarily sing to have fun but music is important. We use it in a very devotional way. So we use some instruments to perform our chants.
And I think, by nature, I have always been someone who loves music and dancing even though I am a nun. Well, my teachers thought I had potential after they saw me perform during our rituals. Then someone in America thought I had it in me to be a singer and somehow it all came together.
How does it feel to perform in front of so many people?
The ambience is obviously different and there are a lot of people focused on you. But I never really feel nervous. Once I start to sing I just close my eyes so whether I am alone or with other people it makes no difference to me. During my first concert tour in America I was not nervous, but then I had to learn to be nervous because people kept coming up to me and asking "Ani, are you nervous?" When we are in monasteries and we perform mantras or spiritual songs we are always with hundreds of people. The only difference perhaps is that I am on stage with the musicians playing, not amongst nuns but in front of other people. But then I close my eyes and when I sing my attitude is definitely the same as it is when I am singing in the monastery. So nothing bothered me, but then when I kept hearing "Are you nervous?" I thought maybe I am supposed to be nervous. Then I became a little conscious. But nowadays I don't really think about it. The attitude is not to do the best, or to be the best singer or to sing the best song. I never sing tragic love songs. I sing spiritual songs and it should be based on devotion, deep concentration as you would in meditation. When the sincerity of your attitude is quite clear none of the other emotions matter. I don't really look forward to being the best but I sing with full sincerity and devotion.
Are you inspired by anyone, musical or otherwise?My teacher, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, is my greatest inspiration. Spiritually, musically and in every other way I can think of, I have been very inspired by him. If people find anything good in me and in my music I would credit it to him. There is a Celion Dion song which I think is perfect to express my feelings towards my guru, Tulku Ugyen Rinpoche. It's called "Because You Loved Me".
One song of yours that you really like?
"Ghari Ghari" which I would dedicate to my teacher.
Is there any singer that you really like?
There is not necessarily one artist that I prefer or listen to a lot. It depends on the song actually. I do not have any particular favourite. I listen to a lot of Nhyoo Bajracharya'ssongs. He is my composer so, of course, I enjoy his music. (laughs) Narayan Gopal's songs are wonderful. I like his song "Euta Manche Ko". And I think Norah Jones has a beautiful voice, the way she sings is really beautiful. Other artists I like are Tracy Chapman and Whitney Houston.
How has music empowered you as a person?
It has empowered me in every way. Even during my spiritual meditation practice music has helped me to do it better. And then, it has helped me earn a lot of money and a lot of good will from people. A lot of money means I was able to get a lot of freedom to do whatever I wanted to do, in terms of social work or in terms of fulfilling my personal wishes. It also empowered me by giving me confidence and the courage and the belief that I could do a lot. That I can achieve anything. I use music to strengthen myself and find a way to reach the others with a message. So I am able to use music for my spiritual achievement, to make money, to take care of others. It always gave me the power.
Can music empower people?It can empower anybody. I think it depends on the attitude of the person who uses it. It also depends on your motivation, how you want to use it. People use it for spiritual empowerment, political empowerment, women's empowerment. And I believe music can be the best tool to use. Don't you think your message will sound more beautiful when you sing it instead of shouting and being aggressive? Then you can enjoy it at the same time and feel secure in your motive about what you want.
A song which you would dedicate to a woman.
The most beautiful example of a woman is a mother. I have an album called "Aama" dedicated to all the mothers and I would choose the song "Aama Bhanda".
Any upcoming musical plans?On 6 April in Patan Museum, Music Nepal is organising a concert for me. After that I will be flying to Taiwan for some concerts. I am also working on a children's album. The idea is to provide songs which children can sing and also songs which mothers can sing to their children. I have noticed that often children sing songs that are really not appropriate for them. They may not know what they are singing but it is just not suitable for them to sing such songs. They should be singing about things like nature, birds, rain, grandpa, chicken and flowers. And mothers should not be singing tragic love songs to their children. In the days past, it seems that mothers used to sing lullabies to their children and I think that tradition is fading away. So keeping that in my mind I thought it would be nice to work on such an album.
How do you choose your songs?
For me it is to do with social responsibility. I have to be able to know that I can contribute something to making this society a better place. So this is my way of contributing as a citizen of the country.
Your most memorable concert?
In 2010 I was high up in the mountains in Manang. That was a concert that was very special to me. From the place to the people to the way they came together and treated me, everything was really beautiful.
A song that reminds you of your childhood.
I have fond memories of dancing to "Makhmali Cholo Chaidaina" and "Mai Chori Sundari".
Would you ever sing a duet with anyone?
Yogeshwor Amayta and I are working towards spreading awareness about organ donation. So just recently I was telling him that perhaps we could sing together and spread the message. Personally, I like the way he sings so maybe we can work together.
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