The group said it will donate all the proceeds collected through their performances to help those in need.

“We entertained for five days, including on the eve of Thingyan in Mandalay. The public came and donated money. We received K1.1 million from the 7-mile camp alone.

“We will now channel the money to the welfare groups in Kyaw Thu’s philanthropic network for the benefit of people in need throughout Myanmar,” said U Myint Aung, a member of the group who wrote the lyrics for the performances, on April 19.

There are over 50 members in the Thangyat group. The Sanyitwine (wearing now-obsolete traditional Myanmar hair style) group from Set Set Yo village from Nyaung-U district also entertained.

Another member of the group, Ko Zaw Thiha, said Cheik did not take part in any contests, being a newly-formed group.

“We performed two chants and three songs. It was our first time, but the audience clapped for us. Some even invited us to their homes. But we couldn’t go to all.

“We want to apologise on U Kyaw Thu’s behalf. We will work on overcoming our weaknesses and do our best in future performances,” he said.

U Myint Aung said the group would have performed until dawn on their last day, but they had to stop at 8pm when it started to rain heavily.

He added that Cheik would likely continue to perform in the coming years.

 

– Translation by Khine Thazin Han