"Rhymes from the Heart: A Bhutanese Rapper’s Rise from Zhemgang".
Introduction:
From the remote villages of Zhemgang to the heart of Bhutan’s emerging hip-hop scene, his journey as a rapper is a testament to passion, resilience, and deep-rooted pride in his heritage. Captivated by the electrifying flow of Eminem’s "Rap God" on a borrowed Nokia phone, he fell in love with hip-hop as a young teen, scribbling lyrics in notebooks and dreaming of sharing his own voice with the world. Despite facing formidable challenges—financial hardship, limited access to resources, and grueling labor jobs—he poured his soul into his music, weaving Bhutanese culture into the rhythm of rap.
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This is the story of his relentless pursuit of his dreams, from heartfelt tributes like "Ama" to songs that echo love, respect, and resilience, inspiring listeners across Bhutan and beyond. Join him as he shares the triumphs, struggles, and unwavering spirit that define his path as an artist.
Here are 10 questions we asked him to dig into both his personal journey and the unique cultural context of making hip-hop in Bhutan:
1. How did you first get into hip-hop, and what drew you to the genre in Bhutan’s music scene?
Ans : When I was about 12 or 13, the first rap song I ever heard was Eminem’s "Rap God". I used to play it on a Nokia phone I secretly borrowed from my parents. It was love at first listen—my heart was instantly captured by the art form and international artists. Back then, I didn’t know much about the hip-hop genre, but I was hooked.
As a kid, my biggest dream was to memorize the fast part of "Rap God". I’d scribble the lyrics in my notebooks and practice rapping that section over and over. It took hundreds of tries, but by the time I reached 10th grade, I finally nailed it!
As I grew older and left my remote village for high school, my passion for rap deepened. I craved more exposure to the genre, but I felt lost. How could I start rapping on my own? Who should I look up to? How could I write my own lyrics to express my feelings?
Then came a turning point. I discovered incredible Bhutanese artists like Acho Drona, Acho Kelzang Dorji, Acho J.D., Acho Sexy Wangchuk, and Acho Nala. They had been paving the way for years, creating a path for aspiring rappers like me. Their work inspired me to keep going.
I’d copy their lyrics in the back of my notebooks, even though my teachers sometimes scolded me for it. Whenever we got a chance to perform in class, I’d jump up and rap songs like Acho J.D.’s "Mic Chi Gi Power" and "Thugs Cry", Acho Drona’s "Chi Nyi Sum Zhi", or Acho Kelzang Dorji’s "Kuzuzangpo". Those moments felt electric.
In 2018 and 2019, I started writing my own lyrics to pour my emotions into songs. My first studio-recorded rap was "Ama", a heartfelt dedication to my mother. I still remember staying back at school while my friends went to eat, scribbling lyrics for that song. Every word I wrote brought tears to my eyes—it hit me so deeply. When "Ama" was finally released, it connected with people. They cried like I did, saying they could relate to the emotions in the song. That moment made it all worth it.
2. What role does Bhutanese culture, language, and tradition play in your music?
Ans : Bhutanese culture and traditions are at the heart of my music. I have immense respect for them, so I always try to write my songs in Dzongkha, our native language. English might sound cool, but my goal is to deliver a message that resonates with everyone—educated or not. I want people to feel what I’m trying to say.
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3. How do you blend global hip-hop influences with Bhutan’s own musical heritage?
Ans : I’ve always looked up to international artists like Eminem, Tupac, and 50 Cent. I spend hours online watching how they create hip-hop, marveling at their craft. I study their flows, rhymes, wordplay, metaphors, and double entendres. By learning from their styles, I work hard to blend Western influences with our Bhutanese culture to create something fresh and exciting for listeners.
4. What challenges have you faced as a hip-hop artist in a country where the genre is still growing?
Ans : As an artist, I’ve faced countless challenges, especially since hip-hop wasn’t very popular in Bhutan when I started. The audience was small, and support was hard to come by. Growing up in a remote village in Zhemgang, where the road literally ends and dense forests begin, made things even tougher. I didn’t have access to proper recording studios, and financially, my family struggled. I couldn’t afford to record in a professional setting.
After 12th grade, I worked as a laborer in construction and brick factories, barely earning enough to get by. Despite the financial hardship, I made a bold decision to step into a studio for the first time. With the little money I’d saved, I recorded "Ama", my tribute to my mother. The song was a success—it touched people’s hearts and earned their love.
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The challenges were endless. I could talk about them for days, but here are a few: I used to record songs on a broken cellphone, borrowing another phone from a friend to play instrumental beats. Late at night in my hostel, I’d sneak up to the attic to record raps without disturbing anyone. To survive, I took on all kinds of labor jobs—loading sand onto trucks with a shovel, making bricks in Bumthang, crushing stones in Gelephu, waiting tables in hotels, and working alongside Indian laborers on construction sites. I even nearly got paralyzed from a back injury while lifting electric poles for mobile towers.
Those were some of my toughest moments. I’d work labor jobs during the day and write songs at night. While other workers slept, I stayed awake—because my dreams kept calling me.
5. Do you write your lyrics in Dzongkha, English, or a mix — and why?
Ans : I primarily write songs in Dzongkha, though I sprinkle in English rhymes for flavor. At the end of the day, my goal is simple: deliver a message that connects with people. That’s what matters most.
6. What themes or messages are most important for you to share through your music?
Ans : The themes in my songs revolve around love for parents, respect for our country, and steering clear of drugs, alcohol, and smoking. I want my music to inspire and uplift.
7. How do young people in Bhutan respond to hip-hop compared to older generations?
Ans : In Bhutan, the younger generation supports hip-hop far more than older folks. It makes sense—this genre is new to our country and still growing. Back in my father’s or grandfather’s time, rap didn’t even exist here, so it’s no surprise they’re less interested compared to the youth.
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8. Are there any Bhutanese artists or storytellers outside of hip-hop who inspire your work?
Ans : My biggest inspiration is Eminem. His storytelling, raw emotion, and technical skill push me to keep improving.
9. What’s your vision for the future of Bhutanese hip-hop in the next 5–10 years?
Ans : In the next 5 to 10 years, I want to see Bhutan’s hip-hop community soar to new heights and gain international recognition. I dream of a future where Bhutanese artists and songwriters can sustain themselves through their rap careers.
10. If you could collaborate with any international artist, who would it be and why?
Ans : If I could pick a dream collaboration with an international artist, it would be with Emiway Bantai or Hanumankind from India. Their energy and style would make for an incredible project.
Conclusion :
His journey from a remote village in Zhemgang to becoming a voice in Bhutan’s budding hip-hop scene is a powerful reminder that dreams can thrive against all odds. With a heart full of passion for his culture and a relentless drive to express himself through rap, he has transformed personal struggles into songs that resonate deeply with listeners. From memorizing Eminem’s "Rap God" as a teen to dedicating his first studio track, "Ama", to his mother, his music carries the weight of his experiences and the pride of his Bhutanese roots. As he continues to blend Dzongkha with global hip-hop influences, his vision is clear: to inspire the younger generation, preserve his cultural heritage, and elevate Bhutan’s rap scene to new heights. His story is far from over—it’s a beat that’s only getting stronger, echoing hope, resilience, and the power of chasing one’s dreams.
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