MusicTibet.com

Chokey launches new album with a bang

By Lobsang Wangyal

MCLEOD GANJ, India, 3 September 2006 Chokey of Sempa fame performed on Saturday night at Tipa to launch her second single new album, Old Shoe.

The launch coincided with the founding of the 46th Tibetan Democracy Day of the Tibetans in exile.

Her legs cramped right before the show but she went on to perform, keeping her performance way above the expectations of the audience.

The title 'Old Shoe' has Chokey's own meaning and emotional reasons.

"The title is a way to tell that the 'Old Shoe' brought me from there to here — from a totally unknown to a known person," she says.

"Shoes are always there to carry you forward. It supports you. When the shoe gets older you shouldn't forget it"

She was joined on stage by Tenzin Dawa and Lhundup Dorjee. Both have produced their debut albums — One day and Lewang, respectively — this year.

Between songs, Chokey explained who inspired her lyrics — her father. Her presentation and music have also doubtless been inspired by Shakira. And she didn't miss Shakira's booty-shaking chaff.

The new album has eight songs. She autographed the first few purchases from the audience.

Despite the cramps and performing with tracks, she entertained like no other Tibetan women artiste had so far. Her voice almost cracked at one point when she was reaching a high note with her title song. But she pulled through that well that many in the crowd got going 'once more'.

Her luck hasn't been bad after a recent feud with Gonpo of Gonpo Entertainment — the exile Tibetan's biggest entertainment company — over some issues. She was in Bombay in a special concert (not much publicized though) in August. She is now planning to do shows in Bir and Dehra Dun in the next few days.

Chokey was the winner of the Best Female Singer in the Tibetan Music Awards 2005.