Dadon

Who is Dadon?

Dadon, name Dadon Dawa Dolma is a Tibetan singer and actress.

In 1985, she obtained a music degree at Music Department of Central Institute for Minorities in Beijing.

In 1988, she studied voice at the China Conservatory of Music in Beijing. Representing Tibet at national Chinese music competitions in 1988 and 1990, she won a silver medal each time.

She made ​​five albums in Tibet. Her music, which is characterized by a mixture of traditional and popular folklore, was also critical of the situation in her country, which is considered by the Chinese authorities as a threat to the state.

Inspired by the Taiwanese singer Teresa Teng, Dadon also incorporated some styles of Tibetan rock band Rangzen Shonu after hearing a tape smuggled into Lhasa in 1988.

In 1992, she decided to flee and was granted political asylum in the United States.

Her defection was cited in an internal speech by the Secretary of the CPC Tibet Committee Chen Kuiyuan in 1997, as well as the TV journalist Ngawang Choephel and director of the Tibet Hotel in Lhasa Jamyang Choegyal, son of Minister Kashopa Chogyal Nyima, two other government employees.