Ngawang Lodup, Luke Williams

Descending from a long line of well-known folk singers from the beautiful but harsh environment of the high Tibetan Plateau, Ngawang learnt his unique repertoire of mountain songs listening to his mother singing during the day as she carried him on her back while tending yak and sheep.

Every evening his family sat and shared stories in praise of the Snow Mountains and his brothers would teach him contemporary folk songs on the Mandolin and the ancient Dramnyen (Tibetan six-string lute).

At 14 years of age Ngawang joined Amchock Tsenyi Monastery, returning home five years later after growing increasingly disillusioned by the restrictions placed on Buddhist life by the Chinese authorities. Resolving to pursue a life where he could freely express himself, Ngawang trekked across the Himalayas for 18 days, journeying 250 miles with only the clothes on his back and basic provisions to get to Nepal, described in the Radio Times as 'an extraordinary story, one of courage but also great sacrifice'.

Finally settling in the UK in 2004, he remained unknown and under the radar, until he uploaded some of his songs to the BBC’s Introducing scheme and became the first World Music artist to join this initiative championing undiscovered music and musicians. BBC Radio live broadcasts and interviews quickly led to him being invited to perform at the WOMAD Festival and at the O2 Arena in London, opening for His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

With support from Luke Williams - Solo project from The October Game singer and guitarist.