Bhutanese singer Thukten Nyendra is gearing up to showcase the country’s musical heritage to an international audience as he prepares to compete in the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia, scheduled for November 14 in Bangkok, Thailand.
The upcoming competition marks a significant milestone for the young artist, whose journey from aspiring singer to international representative has been shaped by years of passion and dedication to music.
Nyendra earned the opportunity to represent Bhutan after emerging victorious in the national singing competition Rhythm of Bhutan. He will now take his talent beyond the country’s borders, joining performers from 10 other nations for the grand finale.
With the competition approaching, Nyendra has intensified his preparations, dedicating much of his time to rehearsals and seeking guidance from experienced musicians.
He said he has been practising daily while learning from established artists to improve his vocal techniques and stage performance.
“As for now, I am feeling really happy. These days, I sing every day. I am learning from other senior artists who are well known and experts in music and taking advice on how to practice and perform well,” Nyendra said.
His entry for the competition, Lhayi Semo, which translates to “The Angel”, is an original composition developed in collaboration with Lungten Wangchuk.
The song has already attracted considerable attention and encouragement from listeners in Bhutan. Nyendra now hopes it will resonate with audiences across Asia, offering them a glimpse into the country’s musical identity.
For the singer, the opportunity goes beyond competing for a title. It is also a chance to introduce Bhutanese music to new listeners and bring greater international recognition to the country’s growing pool of musical talent.
Acknowledging the encouragement he has received, Nyendra expressed gratitude to his supporters, crediting their continued backing for helping him reach this stage of his career.
“I would like to thank everyone, and it is because of your support that I am here today. I am really happy that I received support from the Bhutanese people,” he said.
Although he has several new compositions in the pipeline, Nyendra has decided to postpone their release until after the competition, keeping his attention firmly on perfecting Lhayi Semo.
The inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia will feature representatives from 11 countries, bringing together diverse musical traditions and contemporary performances on a shared international platform.
The grand finale will be broadcast live through the Eurovision Song Contest’s official YouTube channel and broadcasters in participating countries, allowing viewers to follow the competition from around the region.
As November 14 draws closer, Nyendra remains focused on delivering a performance that reflects both his artistic journey and the support of the Bhutanese people.
For an artist who once dreamed of becoming a singer, the Bangkok stage will offer an opportunity to turn that ambition into a moment of national pride.
