Charmed by the khaen
A player of the traditional Lao woodwind instrument urges young people to take up the relay and prevent the art from being lost
Khamfeuang Duangdala, plays the khaen, the traditional Lao woodwind instrument for a living.
“I have a better life; I have land, money and a new house,” says Khamfeuang, who makes a living playing the traditional instrument, just as his father did before him.
Khamfeuang, a winner of the national khaen competition in 2001 and then again in 2009, decided to continue the tradition of playing the instrument, following in the footsteps of his father, who was a Mor Khaen performer.
He has since made a permanent job for himself playing the instrument while at the same time conserving Lao traditions and culture.
Playing the khaen has brought a lot of joy for him and his many followers and he has devoted a lot of his time and energy to refining the craft.
Khamfeuang has been playing the khaen since the age of eight. “That was in 1971 and now the instrument is in my blood,” he says, adding that he enjoys every one of his performances. After winning the national competition back in 2001, Khamfeuang became well known among members of the public and is a much-sought after performer both in Vientiane and the provinces.
The end of the Buddhist Lent is a special time for him, and one when he can earn a lot of money. During this time, he spends almost a month playing out in the provinces.
When performing, Khamfeuang wears the Lao traditional costume the Phasalong ,as well as a long-sleeved shirt, a tie, and a Phaphae Epo (sash) around his wrist.
He also teaches students of the instrument from his house in Donnoun village, Xaythany district and makes the khaen for sale to students and enthusiasts for prices ranging from 600,000-700,000 kip (Bt2,600 to Bt3,100). His instruments are well known for hitting their note and he receives custom orders from many khaen players throughout Laos.
Learning the khaen is not difficult, he says, and students take just three months to complete the learners’ course. “After that they will be able to perform,” he says.
Recently, Khamfeuang put on a khaen performance with morlam singer Viengphou Nounim and artist Khamfan Thonethong in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Lao people’s Revolutionary Party at the National Culture Hall.
“I would like to urge young people to show an interest in this kind of music. It has its own unique beautiful charm and is a Lao tradition that should be preserved,” he says.
