Photo: Sarah Al-Bashtali
Jamyang is the eldest of three brothers who form a Tibetan rock band called JJI Exile brothers. All of them where born in McLeodGanj, their parents came to India long time ago. During a winter holiday in the late nineties, the brothers started to make music and sing together with their mum. She encouraged them to play gigs at TIPA (The Tibetian Institute of Performing Arts) and the JJI Exile Brothers were born.
“I cannot read notes , this is why I invented my own system”, Jamyang tells me with a big smile. “A moon means chorus, a star is the main melody and when I want to repeat something, I draw an apple.” Most of the times, Jamyang writes his own songs. “It just comes to my mind automatically. Sometimes I feel like writing something really deep down, on the next day it might be a cheesy romance or a psychedelic love song.”
His music is influenced by various bands like the Beatles or Pink Floyd. “During the eighties, we had all these hippies coming to McLeod”, Jamyang remembers laughing. “They brought different kinds of music with them, the Doors of course or Janis Joplin. These bands still have a great impact on my songs.” Open-minded as he is, Jamyang talks a lot to westerners who come to McLeod. “I like to discuss with people about freedom”, he says. “I still haven`t figured out if freedom really exists. I think there can be so many things that can keep you from being free, even if you live in a free country: your bad childhood, your job, your brain that is stuck in stupid thoughts, your wife or even addictions like alcohol and drugs.”
Jamyang points out that drugs and alcohol are a big issue in McLeod. “I think it is really difficult for people who come from Tibet ”, he says. “There are so many drugs here, particularly in these days.” Being asked about the political situation, Jamyang holds back a little. “Of course, I know about the situation from the news, but what can I say? I was born here, I am just a McLeod boy.” Still, the JJI Exile Brothers try to raise awareness about the Tibetan issue trough their songs. “If one day I visit Tibet, I am sure the Chinese government will know everything about me because of our band. They definitely have us on their list”, Jamyang is convinced.
Photo: JJI Exile Brothers
Two years ago, one of his younger brothers migrated to Korea, which is why the band cannot meet on a regular basis. Still, music is the center of Jamyang`s life. “I really hope that even if you pass away, music will stay with you”, he says dreamily. “And of course, I would want to listen to my own chords!”
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