Gita Mon, founded by Aie Mon in 1984, continued his earlier efforts with the Layie Hongsar music group that started in 1974. Before this, Mon artists were only known for performing classical and traditional music, but after modern music took new forms with the addition of electric guitars, keyboards, pianos, and drum kits.
Prominent band member Min Ahna-war Mon remembers being arrested several years after the band’s inception.
“When Layie Hongsar band had become a hit in 1977 right ,after celebrating Mon National Day event in Hpa Auk Yo-Go village, I was arrested by government’s intelligence agency with the charge of section 17/1 (of law) and put in jail for 3 months and 20 days at military intelligence at Mawlamyain Kan-ton Kan. The entire band and all electronic instruments were confiscated,” Min Ahna-war Mon said.
Fortunately during these turbulent times modern Mon music was kept alive through bootlegged cassettes tapes distributed among the community.
Aie Mon started Gita Mon after quitting Layie Hongsar. The latter band’s key members included Rev. Kaythu Malar, Nai Ngwe Thein (aka Janu Mon), Min Kyan-yit, Min Ahna-war Mon, Aie Mon, Mon Chan, Zaw Latt, Min Shwe Kate, and Banyar Tala.
During the upcoming concert on Dec. 10, young and old musicians alike – including some former Gita Mon band members – will pay homage to those that paved the way for modern music.
“We will honor senior artists who led the Mon music and helped it survive till today,” said Je-doe Nai. The lineup will include 16 senior artists; five of which are monks.
“This honor ceremony includes not only for the late artists namely Kon Chan Mon, Today Hongsar, Tala Mon, Min Kowthar, and Thurein Eain, exclusively, but for (all) experienced (senior) singers as well,” Je-doe Nai said.
An opening ceremony the night before the concert will be held in Kyar-kan sport field. The following morning, meals will be offered to monks at Nonda Won Monastery, with the concert slated for the evening.
Gita Mon, ranking as the second best band and oldest of its genre, is loved by many.
