Celebrities

Wut Hmon Shwe Yii
Burma’s Popular Supermodel

First gaining recognition in the 2005 advertising campaign for products made by Kanebo, the Japanese cosmetics company, Wut Hmon Shwe Yii built upon a successful modeling career, becoming a widely recognized face on television and billboard advertisements.

Wut Hmon Shwe Yii

One reason given for her popularity as a supermodel stems from her Korean-like appearance—Korean movies and fashions are very popular among the Burmese.

She gained unexpected attention, however, when rumors said she not only received a diamond ring and a car as a gift for her 21st birthday in August from Naw Shwe Thway Aung, (aka Pho La Pyae), the grandson of junta supremo Snr-Gen Than Shwe, but was kidnapped by his friends and held in one of his houses for a few days. Wut Hmon Shwe Yii denied these rumors.

Reportedly linked to Sai Sai Kham Hlaing, a hip-hop star, Wut Hmon Shwe Yii’s fame has grown. However, her celebrity status has also attracted some less welcome admirers, who have assumed her identity when logging into Facebook.

Naw Naw
A Kachin Singer-songwriter Hits Burma’s Big Time

Naw Naw burst onto Burma’s music scene with his own rock tunes in 2006, gaining widespread popularity. He composed, sang and produced his first album, “A Tine Htet A-Lun” (Extraordinary Beyond Measure), which quickly became popular among young Burmese. He has also gained wide recognition for his songs written for famous rock singers like Lay Phyu and Ah Ngae.

Naw Naw

An ethnic Kachin born in Myitkyina, Naw Naw began his music career by founding the band Blaze with bass guitarist Chit Kyu, drummer Ah-Phone and guitarist De Lar. He became prominent for songs using his own lyrics and melodies and innovative style, a rarity in a music industry overwhelmed by cover songs by popular singers.

At the 7th anniversary of Rangoon’s City FM Radio, his album “A Tine Htet A-Lun” won the 2008 best album award. Naw Naw released a second album, “Ah Kant Ah That Ma Shii” (No Limitation), in 2009.