HAVING not yet released a solo album, Qui Qui has slowly but surely made a name for herself in Myanmar for her smooth singing style. Featuring on several songs by Thxa Soe, it is only a matter of time before Qui Qui breaks it big time with an album of her own. Timeout went and visited her at home for a chat.

Timeout: So Qui Qui, when did you first become interested in singing?
I think since I was born I have always been interested. My family loves music and I as I am one of them, I guess it was just natural. Actually singer Hla Win New is my cousin so it is all over the place.

Your singing features on some of Thxa Soe’s latest songs and they continue to be popular. How did you guys hook up?
Well I first sang for singer Bar Bu on a track. We have been friends since childhood but he didn’t know I can sing. One day when he visited my home he accidentally heard me singing. So he requested that I sing for him. In the album he released in 1996 the song saechaukhnit (sixteen-year-old), was popular. And I then met Thxa Soe through him.

So, you like hip hop?
Honestly speaking I am not that interested in it per se. I just like to sing.

What’s your favourite type of music?
I like R&B music. If I bring out a solo album it will focus on this style more than anything. I’m currently doing a BBA Higher Diploma Course and I have to focus on my studies. But once I am done I will focus on the songs.

Where do you hope to head with your music?
A place in the hearts of music lovers. I’ll try my best to get there.

How did you feel at your first live show?
It is not a surprise that I wasn’t too nervous because I’d already been familiar with the stage since I was young. In every Thingyan, my family used to build a pandal and we sang and danced.

What is your singing inspiration?
Self-confidence. I believe that success comes to those who are confident.
How do you overcome the times when you feel down?
It rarely happens to me because I’m always calm. Even if I have something to be nervous about, the only thing I do is pray to Buddha.

As a young artist are you interested in the traditional arts?
I like traditional orchestra, dance and songs. When I was young, I learnt the piano and played Myanmar classical songs.

What would you like to say to Myanmar for the new year?
Be new with a new mind.