AFTER a reverberating debut on the international scene that had critics in Britain and elsewhere raving about her controversial Tibetan sounds, Zhu Zheqin - or Dadawa as she is popularly known - seemed to have disappeared into the Tibetan sunset since her last album two years ago.
Her debut album, Sister Drum, sold more than three million copies worldwide in 1995. It was also the first record from China to be distributed and promoted in more than 50 countries by an international label, Warner Music.
Voices From The Sky, released in 1997, made her the first Asian artist to have her music premiered in 81 countries, placing her on a level with only four other names: Michael Jackson, Madonna, Eric Clapton and Mariah Carey.
Zhu's powerful voice and ethnic style have become her trademark, together with the dream-like tunes of her producer He Xuntian who merges classical orchestra, flutes and ethereal choir. He's inclusion of the sounds of Tibetan instruments and the monks' reciting of Buddhist sutras also adds an Eastern allure to the songs.
However, not everyone has appreciated her Tibetan-inspired music. Some exiled Tibetans have accused Zhu of appropriating, commercialising and even degrading their culture. But Zhu says she will not be discouraged.
'My producer and I simply aim to make good music that reflects our admiration for Tibet's beauty. It can also be perceived as a living journal of my trips.
