Yan Yan Chan
Encyclopedia
Yan Yan Chan is a pioneer of Burmese hip hop
and pro-democracy activist. Along with Zayar Thaw
, he founded the group Acid
.
reporter described his music as blending a "combative, angry style with indigenous poeticism". The band's repertoire has been said to contain many "thinly veiled attacks on the regime". The Independent
stated that while the band "focused on the mundane, their lyrics inevitably touched on the hardships of life in Burma, drawing them into dangerous territory."
against the State Peace and Development Council
, Burma's military rulers, Yan Yan Chan's bandmate Zayar Thaw helped found the pro-democracy youth movement Generation Wave
. Though not an original founder, Yan Yan Chan became involved in the group as well. Generation Wave used graffiti and pamphlets to spread messages opposing the SPDC. and distributed bumper stickers reading "Change New Government" to apply to cars carrying "CNG" stickers (originally for "compressed natural gas"). The group also circulated anti-government films, including Rambo IV, in which the titular character battles Tatmadaw (Burmese military) soldiers in Karen State. The film had been banned by the government for portraying the SPDC and its soldiers in a negative light.
In March 2008, several Generation Wave members were arrested for their anti-government activities, including Zayar Thaw, who was charged with membership in an illegal organization and possession of foreign currency. On 18 April, Yan Yan Chan was also arrested in the Upper Burma town of Monywa
, reportedly along with his longtime girlfriend Chilli. Reporters Without Borders
speculated that Yan Yan Chan was arrested due to "lyrics in some of his songs referring to the lack of press freedom".
After nearly a year's detention, he was released without charges on 7 January 2009.
.
Burmese hip hop
The Burmese hip hop is one of the most successful music genres in Myanmar today, and arguably the most popular form of music among the urban youth of Yangon and Mandalay.-First generation:Until 2000, rock and roll was the dominant music genre in Myanmar...
and pro-democracy activist. Along with Zayar Thaw
Zayar Thaw
Zayar Thaw ; born Kyaw Kyaw on 26 March 1981) is a Burmese hip-hop artist currently detained for the perceived anti-government messages of his lyrics. Amnesty International named him a prisoner of conscience.-Hip-hop career:...
, he founded the group Acid
Acid (hip-hop)
Acid is a Burmese hip hop group often credited with releasing Burma's first hip hop album, Beginning, in 2000. Two of the group's founders were later imprisoned for the group's allegedly pro-democracy lyrics.-Beginning:...
.
"Beginning"
In 2000, Acid released Burma's first hip-hop album. Despite predictions of failure by many in the Burmese music industry, the album, Beginning, remained in the number one position of the Burmese charts for more than two months. A Democratic Voice of BurmaDemocratic Voice of Burma
The Democratic Voice of Burma is a non-profit media organization based in Oslo, Norway. Run by Burmese expatriates, it makes radio and television broadcasts aimed at providing uncensored news and information about Burma , the country's military regime, and its political opposition.In July 1992,...
reporter described his music as blending a "combative, angry style with indigenous poeticism". The band's repertoire has been said to contain many "thinly veiled attacks on the regime". The Independent
The Independent
The Independent is a British national morning newspaper published in London by Independent Print Limited, owned by Alexander Lebedev since 2010. It is nicknamed the Indy, while the Sunday edition, The Independent on Sunday, is the Sindy. Launched in 1986, it is one of the youngest UK national daily...
stated that while the band "focused on the mundane, their lyrics inevitably touched on the hardships of life in Burma, drawing them into dangerous territory."
Generation Wave
Following the 2007 uprising2007 Burmese anti-government protests
The 2007 Burmese anti-government protests were a series of anti-government protests that started in Burma on 15 August 2007...
against the State Peace and Development Council
State Peace and Development Council
The State Peace and Development Council was the official name of the military regime of Burma , which seized power in 1988. On 30 March 2011, Senior General Than Shwe signed a decree to officially dissolve the Council....
, Burma's military rulers, Yan Yan Chan's bandmate Zayar Thaw helped found the pro-democracy youth movement Generation Wave
Generation Wave
Generation Wave is a pro-democracy Burmese youth movement founded by Min Yan Naing, Moe Thwe, hip-hop star Zayar Thaw, and one other activist.-Background and activism:...
. Though not an original founder, Yan Yan Chan became involved in the group as well. Generation Wave used graffiti and pamphlets to spread messages opposing the SPDC. and distributed bumper stickers reading "Change New Government" to apply to cars carrying "CNG" stickers (originally for "compressed natural gas"). The group also circulated anti-government films, including Rambo IV, in which the titular character battles Tatmadaw (Burmese military) soldiers in Karen State. The film had been banned by the government for portraying the SPDC and its soldiers in a negative light.
In March 2008, several Generation Wave members were arrested for their anti-government activities, including Zayar Thaw, who was charged with membership in an illegal organization and possession of foreign currency. On 18 April, Yan Yan Chan was also arrested in the Upper Burma town of Monywa
Monywa
Monywa is a city in Sagaing Division, Myanmar, located 136 km northwest of Mandalay on the eastern bank of the River Chindwin.-Transport:...
, reportedly along with his longtime girlfriend Chilli. Reporters Without Borders
Reporters Without Borders
Reporters Without Borders is a France-based international non-governmental organization that advocates freedom of the press. It was founded in 1985, by Robert Ménard, Rony Brauman and the journalist Jean-Claude Guillebaud. Jean-François Julliard has served as Secretary General since 2008...
speculated that Yan Yan Chan was arrested due to "lyrics in some of his songs referring to the lack of press freedom".
After nearly a year's detention, he was released without charges on 7 January 2009.
Family
In March 2010, Yan Yan Chan and Chilli announced their intention to wed. On 4 April, they were married in a ceremony at the Traders Hotel in YangonYangon
Yangon is a former capital of Burma and the capital of Yangon Region . Although the military government has officially relocated the capital to Naypyidaw since March 2006, Yangon, with a population of over four million, continues to be the country's largest city and the most important commercial...
.