Jigmi Wangdi

When Bhutanese artists step onto foreign stages, it’s more than just a performance; it’s a bridge that connects distant communities to their homeland.

For Dedrik from Rebellions Bhutan, Sonam Wangchen, Ugyen Pandey, and Tandin Wangchuk of Misty Terrace, these moments are profound, emotional, and transformative. Their stories reveal not just the challenges and triumphs of performing abroad but also the deep ties they maintain to Bhutan, resonating through every note and lyric.

For Dedrik, performing for Bhutanese audiences abroad is a responsibility that goes far beyond entertaining. “It felt like we had to bring home to another country,” he said, recalling the group’s first international performance in Perth, Australia.

While concerts in Bhutan are about energising the crowd, Dedrik realised that in Australia, the stakes were different. “The audience wasn’t just listening, they were feeling. They missed home, and our music became their connection to it.”

One particularly emotional moment came during their last show in Canberra. The band closed with Kupar, a song dedicated to His Majesty the King. “Those three minutes were overwhelming. The audience was crying, and the atmosphere was heavy with emotion,” Dedrik recalled. “It hit us hard because we realised how deeply they longed for home. It wasn’t just a performance; it was a shared moment of belonging.”

For Tandin Wangchuk, the energy of Bhutanese audience abroad makes every show extraordinary. “The enthusiasm and energy of the crowd is intense,” he said. “Whoever is performing gets this extra attention and support, and it’s impossible not to feel inspired by that.”

Performing for Bhutanese communities abroad isn’t just about the music; it’s about what that music represents. Tandin reflected on how songs become a lifeline to home. “A song can carry a hundred memories,” he said. “It stirs so many emotions. Performing for such a boosted crowd, singing songs that everyone knows thousands of miles from home, is an experience that stays with you.”

For Sonam Wangchen, one of Bhutan’s most beloved singers, these moments are both fulfilling and poignant. “It’s emotional to see Bhutanese people reconnecting with their culture through music,” he said. “They’ve been away for so long, and you can see the joy and pride in their faces. It gives me a sense of purpose as an artist.”

Sonam spoke of moments that moved him to his core, such as fans shedding tears during performances. “It’s humbling to know that our music can evoke such deep emotions. I’ve also received heartfelt letters and gifts from fans—those are memories I’ll cherish forever,” he said.

Performing internationally has shaped him not only emotionally but also artistically. “The love and support I’ve received abroad have boosted my confidence,” he said. “It’s shown me how much my music means to others, motivating me to improve continuously.”

He described his amazement at seeing fans in Sikkim and India singing his songs word for word, proving that Bhutanese music has a universal appeal.

For Tandin Wangchuk, international performances have been transformative, influencing both his song writing and his stage presence. “The artist in you won’t ever be the same after seeing some of the biggest music icons in the West—Guns N’ Roses, Avenged Sevenfold, Bryan Adams,” he said. “Performing in front of non-Bhutanese also means you represent the whole culture, emotions, and values of Bhutan through a song. That responsibility makes you grow as an artist.”

He recently performed in Shanghai, a first among Bhutanese performers. He said the power of music transcends not just borders, but nationalities and language barriers as well.

“Knowing that 99 percent of your audience don’t know your songs or the language puts you in an interesting spot on the stage. Yet few seconds into the song and its amazing how music carries it forward as a universal language of humanity. The cheers begin and the hums join, the effect of music is universal,” Tandin Wangchuk said.

For Ugyen Pandey, performing internationally is a journey of rediscovery. “It gives me the chance to reconnect with Bhutanese people who have been missing home for years,” he said. “Hearing their stories and how our music bridges that gap makes me feel both proud and humbled.”

“It’s not just about the music, it’s about learning and growing,” he said. “Meeting other musicians and organisers has taught me the simplicity of life and given me new perspectives. These experiences have reshaped my approach to music,” he said.

One of Ugyen Pandey’s most memorable moments came during a performance in Europe. “We played a folk fusion song, and the reaction was incredible,” he said. “Foreigners with no knowledge of Bhutanese music felt an instant connection. They said it was meditative, and that moment was deeply emotional for me.”

Financially, performing abroad has been more rewarding for all the artists. “In Australia, we were paid in dollars, and it was more than enough for the seven of us,” Dedrik revealed.

Sonam Wangchen and Ugyen Pandey echoed the sentiment, adding that Bhutan’s small market often limits financial opportunities for artists back home.

Ugyen Pandey also highlighted the chance to collaborate on new projects through his international experiences. “Meeting musicians from around the world opens up new doors,” he said.

With this global exposure comes a sense of responsibility. “We represent Bhutan, not just as musicians but also as cultural ambassadors,” Ugyen Pandey said.

Dedrik stressed the importance of balancing new influences with Bhutanese traditions. “You can look up to other cultures, but don’t forget where you come from,” he advised.

For Sonam Wangchen, sharing and celebrating Bhutanese culture on the global stage has been a source of pride.

Tandin Wangchuk said, “We carry the emotions and values of Bhutan with us, and that responsibility inspires us to keep improving.”

To aspiring Bhutanese artists dreaming of the global stage, their advice is clear. “Stay consistent,” Dedrik urged. “It doesn’t happen overnight, but if you connect with your audience, the rewards are immense.”

Sonam Wangchen emphasised the importance of uniqueness and continued improvement.

Ugyen Pandey added, “Your music is your voice. The world is listening, make it count.”

Tandin Wangchuk summed it up: “Let your music carry your culture. Represent it with pride.”

Together, these artists have not only carried the sounds of Bhutan to the world but also brought a piece of home to those who needed it most.

Their music, rooted in tradition and shaped by global experiences, serves as a reminder that no matter how far Bhutanese travel, the essence of home is never truly lost.