Lao pop star Alexandra Bounxouei, 19, was born in Bulgaria to a Lao father who was studying music in Eastern Europe and a Bulgarian mother. The family moved to Laos in 1988, where she was raised. Her music, which she describes as a combination of traditional Lao and contemporary hip-hop, has earned her glowing reviews in Southeast Asia. She released her second album, titled “Forget It,” in early 2006, and first performed in Laos in 2002 to wide acclaim, and she has now performed worldwide. Currently majoring in English at the Lao American College of Vientiane, Bounxouei records and performs music with a strong anti-drug message. Following are excerpts from her interview in May 2006 with Lao broadcaster Chaleunsouk:
“My dad, Bounthavisay Bounxouei, wrote a lot of the songs [on this album], such as ‘I’d Like to Tell You’… Somsavath Songvilay with the Lao Ministry of Culture, he wrote music for me too. And I wrote one, and there is a singer who is getting ready to release an album, Sam Intharaphithak. He’s studying in Australia, and he wrote two English songs for my album. It was like a family effort, because now I have a recording studio at home. Overseeing it was my dad and my mom and me, all three. On this album there are love songs, there are songs about friends, love between friends, and songs kind of like warning songs, like ‘Narcotics.’”
“I’ll certainly shoot a music vid, and there has to be a karaoke version because so many people have asked, have called for it… I said okay, we’ll certainly do it, but be patient and wait, because I’m finishing my studies, my bachelor’s degree this coming May. I have to finish my studies first and then I’ll start laying out the concept for a music video.”
“I’m traveling constantly, to Japan, to Thailand for programs, putting on concerts in Laos, maybe going to different provinces, I have so little time to study so I have to use my time most effectively…. A lot of people have said, ‘Oh, this time you’re older, your voice has changed, it’s a more mature voice and your songs have words that show more mature thinking…than the first album.’ Because I was only 15 years old when I recorded that first album.”
“The way I see it, these songs should be popular with teens, because this album is unusual.”
Sabaidee Pathet Lao. The camera crew went on the streets of Thailand to test how much Thai people really know about Laos, especially the younger generation.
While many Thai teenagers don’t even know what the capital of Laos is or who is the current prime minister of the country, one person they all know so well is Alexandra Bounxouei.
Here is Alexandra talking about the rumor that was circulating in Vientiane and about Lao entertainment industry at present.
Radio Free Asia (RFA) published an interviewed with Alexandra Bounxouei about her second album on June 06, 2006. Here is a translated version of the interview from Laomusic.la.
“The most popular artist of Laos, Alexandra Bounxouei has many talents and abilities. She can sing, speak many languages and plays various musical instruments.
Part I of the interview:
Alexandra discusses with RFA about her second album “Leum Sa”. Her first album was released more than two years ago. Leum Sa contains the following 11 songs:
1. Yark Ja Bork
2. Mee Thair Jao
3. Leum Saa
4. Memories
5. Hen La Bor Ai Euey
6. Wanh Tee Jao Ma Ha
7. Khid Theung Pheuan
8. Sou Phur Khuam Funh
9. Complete
10. Sabaidee Pee Mai (Happy New Year)
11. Ya Seth Thid
Included in the album is a song composed by Alexandra “Leum Sa”. Her latest work is a combination of various stlyes and includes the sound of khaen. Alexandra also informs RFA the VCD Karaoke version of “Leum Sa” will be released by the end of 2006. For more details, please listen to the audio version of the interview part I.
Part II of the interview:
Alexandra further talks about her performances outside of Laos and also discusses about her apperances on Thai Television.
Alexandra is a popular artist in Asia, especially in Thailand. She has been on concert tour in Thailand, Japan, Korea, and USA. In addition she has made 3 appearances on Thai Television shows in 2006. Alexandra was a guest on Khun Phra Chuay, Chai Ba Din Show, and was on the news coverage of Sheppajorn Lok. Alexandra’s appearance in Thailand has created an interest from a big Thai record company in her latest album.
Please listen to the audio version of part II of the interview for more details.
แซนดร้ากำลังจะออกอัลบั้มเพลงชุดที่ 2 ให้แฟนๆ ได้ติดตามกันในปลายปี 2548 นี้ ด้วยแนวเพลงที่หลากหลายมากขึ้นไม่ว่าจะเป็น R&B, Ballad, Pop Rock และ Hip Hop ส่วนเพลงที่เธอบอกว่าชื่นชอบมากที่สุดในอัลบั้มใหม่นี้ก็คือ เพลง “มีแต่เจ้า” ซึ่งเป็นเพลงท่วงทำนองช้า แต่เนื้อหากินใจ
ในอัลบั้มชุดใหม่ เธอยังได้แสดงความสามารถด้านเสียงเพลงอีกทางหนึ่ง คือ ประพันธ์เพลง “ลืมซะ” ด้วยตนเอง ในแนวดนตรี Hip Hop เพื่อให้แฟนๆ ได้พิสูจน์ฝีมืออีกด้วย
Lao teen pop idol Alexandra Bounxouei returned per audience requests with her “Pasaan ASEAN(ASEAN United)” the theme song for the ASEAN Summit that Laos successfully hosted in November 2004, and “Anaamai Saam Sa-aad(Three Cleanlinessess)” the theme song for JICA’s “Kid Smile” project for which Alexandra was hired as the promoter.
We wrapped up the program with Khamla Nohkeo’s “Soukkhee Pi Mai,” also per requests, to wish our audience a very happy Lao New year.
Please visit VOA Lao News for details of the article and to listen to the audio version.
Alexandra Bounxouei made “Laos Day” at the Aichi Expo 2005
Asia/Laotian teen idol loves J-pop, onsen, sweets
Asahi Shimbun
Published on July 23, 2005
NAGAKUTE, Aichi Prefecture-Alexandra Bounxouei, a popular Laotian teen idol and top female pop singer, returned to Japan last month to perform at the Aichi Expo 2005.
It was “Laos Day” on June 13, and Bounxouei wowed the crowd with her singing of “Miraie” (To the future), a hit song by Japanese pop duo Kiroro.
“I like J-pop very much. I’m good at singing songs in Japanese,” said 18-year-old Bounxouei, who had lived in Hokkaido as a high-school exchange student.
Bounxouei was born in 1987 to a Bulgarian mother and Laotian father. Her parents are both musicians. Little Bounxouei started playing the piano at 3 and the violin at 9.
She made her debut in Laos in 2002 and soon became a popular singer, crooning pop hits with a traditional Laotian rhythm.
Archived News about Alexandra Bounxouei in the Lao Media.
Vientiane concert goers were in for a pleasant shock on Friday night when they heard foreigners singing Lao songs in their hometown.
Jonas Anderson and Christy Gibson, Thailand ’s hottest country stars, came to perform on the occasion of the 41 st anniversary of Lao-Swedish diplomatic relations at Lao International Trade and Convention Centre (ITECC).
Jonas and Christy joined famous Lao singers, Alexandra and Pan, to sing kou lap Pakxan (rose of Pakxan), a popular country song in Laos. Jonas, himself, also sang yen sa bai xao na (happy working in the farm), surprising thousands of local residents at last week’s friendship concert.
“I have wanted to perform in Laos for a long time and I’m very excited to join in this event. This is my first concert here,” Jonas said. “I also love the culture of this country and I think that it would be wonderful to make a connection with the people or to get together with music. I also want to thank the Lao people for their warm welcome at this concert.”
Christy was also impressed on her first visit to Vientiane to meet her new fans among Lao people, particularly Vientiane residents. “I feel very excited because I wanted to come here for a long time. I met many Lao people at concerts held in Thailand and other countries. I have never come here before,” she said. “One thing that I am learning a lot about is Lao music and dance. I think that there are many things special about the culture here. I sang a lot of mor lam Lao (a kind of country song).”
Archived News about Alexandra Bounxouei in the Lao Media.
The most popular question that people will ask friends this weekend is ‘Where should we count down the New Year?’
It is a perennial stickler, so many places are preparing for the celebration of New Year 2006 that Vientiane residents are spoilt for choice.
Many entertainment venues such as restaurants, clubs and hotels have reported that they are now ready to welcome guests on December 31.
Among the many festivities on the night, government officials said on Tuesday that they will open the International Trade and Exhibition Convention Centre (ITECC) to welcome diplomatic and government officials.
“The Mayor of Vientiane will be the host of the countdown party here on Saturday night and officials will invite diplomatic and high ranking officials to join the New Year celebration 2006,” said the ITECC Manager Souliyong.
He added the ITECC activities on the night included a fashion show and lucky draws as well as singing and dancing, and on the stroke of midnight the Vientiane Mayor will give his wishes for coming year.
“The celebration will be broadcast live on Lao National Television from 10pm on December 31, so that people at home can celebrate at the same time as diplomatic and government officials,” Souliyong explained.
Archived News about Alexandra Bounxouei in the Lao Media.
An AIDS concert tour of southern provinces from November 17 to 27 aims to educate people, especially youth, about the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, and how to protect themselves from these problems.
Popular singers from various record companies will participate in a concert tour of the country’s south from November 17 to 27.
Population Services International (PSI) will organise the 10-day tour to Champassak, Attapeu, Xekong, Savannakhet and Khammuan which will feature popular pop and rock performers such as Alexandra Bounxouei, Pan Duangpaseuth, Y-Power, Pouna, Jimmy, the Cells and LOG.
“Once a year we tour the country to create awareness among the members of society about the problems.
As singers, we are very proud to be part of this social campaign for protecting people’s health,” said Indee Record president, Mr Pet.
This is not the first time that PSI is holding concerts to educate people. The organisation has conducted similar past events in Savannakhet, Khammuan and Oudomxay provinces.
PSI also plans a concert tour of many northern provinces later this year, but some places have been rendered difficult to access due to rain damage to roads .
Vientiane Times
By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
(Published on November 04, 2005)
Archived News about Alexandra Bounxouei in the Lao Media.
By Dara Baccam
VOA Lao News
Lao pop super star Alexandra Bounxouei again brought spotlight to the Lao entertainment scene, by appearing on Thai TV this time.
Alexandra was invited to perform on a Thai TV Channel 3 variety show, hosted by the famous Thai star Willy McIntosh, on the night of Wednesday, Oct. 5.
In an exlusive interview with VOA-Lao by phone from Vientiane, Laos, she talks about her appearance on Thai TV, her feeling, her next album, her upcoming PSI tour in six southern provinces of Laos, and her education.
A senior at the Lao American College in Vientiane, Alexandra expects to receive her BA either this coming January or May. She is currently writing her thesis on the subject “Can media help develop Lao society.” The youn singer says she will apply for scholarships to pursue her Masters Degree abroad, either in Japan or the U.S., where she spent three months touring in the summer of 2002.
For details of the interview, please visit VOA Lao News and listen to the audio file.
Guest_373 : So when are we going to get to make a gig? Hai Khamprasong N
Guest_373 : Check it out Alexandra these impalso doesn't know jack shit!
Guest_373 : Dame love, love in hate love from one person to the other. But what do you know about love before you say you love her. Hai Lay
Guest_373 : bunch of lame people with no loving no teast no style no wonder why its call a vacation stupid people.
Guest_373 : Dame all hot dog but no sweet. YOur actting style need improvements. Stop with that eyes to eyes look then it might look like a movie for once. Dame your fan can talk and write english that good but not good enough sheneyney LoL. And can you for once teach another words beside I love this, how about Just buy the dame movie. Fool.
Guest_4855 : light up! people, Alexandra is an actress she plays the character in her lakorn that all.Please do not criticize what she does and what language she speaks in the movie.it's just entertainment.
Guest_2601 : I love you Cee siwat!
Guest_2601 : I love you Alexandra!
Guest_2601 : I love you Alexandra
Guest_373 : Dame!what be voice out brust in your page with such flameing fire. where the Beast when the beauty in need of help. Voice I hear even in my sleep. I cry out in pain. A heart that beat when love and sweetness arise. Its been eighteen years now I apologize!
Guest_3366 : love SANDRA forever , miss you alots.
Guest_4490 : Welcome home Sandra!!!
Guest_2642 : Yeah, Sandra is back in lao for her summer vocation for 1 month. I miss her alot
Guest_2199 : Love and miss Sandra lai lai der, please come back soon, love to see u again in Lakorn
Guest_2 : love her voice, so powerful and lovely and amazingly facial expression when she is acting, it make her look so cute and lovely
Guest_745 : having trouble believing her acting!
Guest_2 : I love Sandra, she is cute and has a lovely voice too
Guest_1348 : Sandra, please choose the script where's no violence, no humiliation towards women, thanks.
France : Alex, viendras tu visiter la France ? milles encouragements pour ta carière !
Guest_2144 : You are the best ever...We love you!
Guest_3366 : i miss you alots Sandra thinking of you everyday .....love you forever.
Kristina Bella : By cell now," which stuck in his craw.
Big Fan : When will Sandra be on back and come back to Laos?
Guest_2624 : I WILL VISIT LAOS SOONN YAYYYYYYYYYY I HOPE I LIKE IT HOW IS MUNG LAOS HOW
Nina : stop with the spamming gosh
Guest_3063 : YAY!!
Guest_2154 : Miss Sandra lai, lai der, everything so quite without u
Guest_3707 : how come she looks diffrent all the time is she a real person
Lao pop star Alexandra Bounxouei, 19, was born in Bulgaria to a Lao father who was studying music in Eastern Europe and a Bulgarian mother. The family moved to Laos in 1988, where she was raised. Her music, which she describes as a combination of traditional Lao and contemporary hip-hop, has earned her glowing reviews in Southeast Asia. She released her second album, titled “Forget It,” in early 2006, and first performed in Laos in 2002 to wide acclaim, and she has now performed worldwide. Currently majoring in English at the Lao American College of Vientiane, Bounxouei records and performs music with a strong anti-drug message. Following are excerpts from her interview in May 2006 with Lao broadcaster Chaleunsouk:
having trouble believing her acting!