Former Tibetan monk to sing in front of Dalai Lama
- 26 July 2015
- From the section Entertainment & Arts
A former Tibetan monk is to sing at a huge public talk by the Dalai Lama in London after being talent spotted by BBC Radio 3.
Ngawang Lodup left his monastery more than 10 years ago and eventually settled in London.
Although he was well known among the Tibetan community, he was brought to wider attention by Radio 3 earlier this year.
The folk singer will perform at the 02 on 19 September.
Lodup is performing at the Womad festival in Wiltshire on Sunday on the BBC Radio 3 Charlie Gillett stage, having been picked up by the station's World Music scheme through BBC Introducing.
He creates his own songs, playing both the electric mandolin and the traditional Tibetan Dranyen lute, having learnt traditional Tibetan music while out with his mother on the mountains yak and sheepherding.
"I'm absolutely honoured to be performing at the public talk by his Holiness the Dalai Lama," he said.
"His Holiness is an inspiration to millions around the world and has dedicated his life to peace, compassion, freedom and religious harmony.
"When I left my homeland over a decade ago I could never have dreamt my songs would one day be played on BBC Radio 3 or to express my sincere gratitude to his Holiness the Dalai Lama through my music.
"It is a very magical feeling and I feel very blessed."