Sai Htee Sai (1946 – 2022)
Sai Htee Sai, also affectionately known as Sai Htee Dai, was one of Myanmar’s most legendary singers and songwriters. Born in Shan State in 1946, he began his musical journey in the 1960s and quickly became a national icon. His unique ability to blend traditional Shan influences with Burmese pop and folk created a sound that deeply touched listeners across different generations.
Sai Htee Sai’s songs often told stories of love, heartbreak, and the bittersweet struggles of life. Among his most beloved works are “Chit Thu Yway Mal” (“Am I Still Your Lover?”) and “A Kyaung Pyaing Yae” (“School Days”), both of which remain classics in Myanmar’s music history. Beyond music, he was admired as a symbol of unity—using his art to bridge cultural divides and uplift the voices of Myanmar’s ethnic minorities.
Even after his passing in 2022, Sai Htee Sai’s music continues to inspire younger artists and holds a timeless place in Myanmar’s cultural heritage.
Ni Ni Khin Zaw (1991 – )
Dr. Ni Ni Khin Zaw is a modern-day pop star and medical doctor, often celebrated as the “Pop Princess of Myanmar.” She was born in 1991 in Ywar Ngan, Shan State, and gained national attention after winning the Eain Mat Sone Yar singing competition in 2008. Despite studying medicine and becoming a qualified physician, her passion for music led her to pursue a professional singing career alongside her medical background.
Her debut album, “Ta Nay Ta Ku Nay Ka Nay” (2010), established her as one of the most promising young voices in the country. Over the years, she has released chart-topping hits like “Lay Yin Pyan”, “A Phyu Yaung Lay”, and “Chit Chin Dae”, which showcase her versatility across pop, ballads, and dance music. Known for her crystal-clear vocals and elegant stage presence, Ni Ni Khin Zaw quickly became a household name and a role model for young performers.
Balancing two careers, she stands as an inspiring figure—demonstrating how dedication, discipline, and passion can bring success in both medicine and the arts.