Young Singer Karma Tashi Choijor’s Dedication to Mongolian Folk Art Research and Preservation

Lhasa. The Ngari (Ali) region of Tibet, famed as the “Heavenly Ngari,” is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes and exceptionally rich traditional culture. Taking a scientific approach, the people of Ngari today are preserving and innovating upon this unique heritage. Karma Tashi Choijor is one such individual dedicated to inheriting and advancing this cultural and musical artistry.

Born after 1990 in Rutog County (Riwodao) in Tibet’s Ngari Prefecture, Karma Tashi Choijor graduated from junior high school in 2014. He then gained admission to a secondary vocational technical school in Lhasa, where he had the opportunity to study instrumental performance. After completing his studies there in 2017, he enrolled at the Lhasa Normal College, majoring in music education with a specialization in string instruments.

Following his graduation in 2020, he remained steadfast in his passion and original inspiration. He sought guidance from relevant experts and numerous folk artists across the Ngari region, immersing himself in the cultural exploration, study, and research of Ngari folk songs and the traditional Ngari string instrument.

His artistic inclination was first nurtured by his parents. Both his father and mother were adept at playing the Ngari string instrument and singing folk songs, meaning he grew up surrounded by music from an early age. Furthermore, an uncle and neighbors who loved folk art also sowed the seeds of artistry in his heart.

While studying music at the vocational school, his teachers arranged for him to participate in various projects collecting folk songs from the Ngari region. Since then, he has visited over 60 folk artists to study and collect folk songs.