Australian Competes In Thai Singing Competition

[webfact]

Australian competes in Thai singing competition
By Coconuts Bangkok


Christopher Jonathan Roy Chaafe

BANGKOK: -- Christopher Jonathan Roy Chaafe has been chosen as one of eight finalists in Thailand’s most famous singing competition – “The Star.”

In Season 9, Christopher will compete with four men and three women in a contest to become a recording artist with GMM Grammy. The 18-year-old Gold Coast local went through many rounds of screening before entering into the live show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=6YZGaOqWdHA

During his first round, Christopher introduced himself to the judges with “Keun Chan” by Sek Loso and “Sao Kra Pong Hien” by Mor Lam singer Pee Saderd. Christopher’s charm lies in his ability to speak fluent Thai, especially with an Isaan accent, which many foreigners find impossibly difficult.

Full story: http://www.coconutsbangkok.com/arts-and-entertainment/australian-competes-in-thai-singing-competition/


-- Coconuts Bangkok 2013-03-07

[Rionoir]

Seriously do they ever have people that can sing on that show...

[Sydebolle]

Thai Rak Thai, ministers to wear Thai fabrics, Thaksin moaned on eating Thai food (while being in New Zealand most likely NOT sipping Thai wines) but apart from that Thais have no confidence in their own products and abilities. Wishing the Aussie lad the best of luck; his teenage "vintage" allows almost everything. The elder folks will remember the hysteria around Jonat and Kheestie (Jonas & Kristie) on the same Isan ticket. But maybe I am just getting too old for this shaite.........

[Suradit69]

Seriously do they ever have people that can sing on that show...

"Christopher’s charm lies in his ability to speak fluent Thai ..."

He does seem to struggle to stay on key, but then the claim regarding his (not readily apparent) charm is his ability to speak Thai.

[belg]

the criteria and quality is the same for all : being able to speak thai, singing correctly is not his ability (or other thai candidates)... hope he does not quit his dayjob

[fire and ice]

During his first round, Christopher introduced himself to the judges

with “Keun Chan” by Sek Loso and “Sao Kra Pong Hien” by Mor Lam singer

Pee Saderd. Christopher’s charm lies in his ability to speak fluent

Thai, especially with an Isaan accent, which many foreigners find

impossibly difficult.

Aussies can impersonate pretty much any accent with a relatively minimal effort (although since most don't try they dont know they have this skill!)

It comes from the high level of "oral control" (not sure what the correct term is here) required for an Aussie accent; copying other accents largely requires relaxing or modifying ones "oral control" which is a lot easier than learning to control it more. South Africans are similar in this regard.

North American accents are very relaxed by contrast ("it just kinda rolls off the tongue") so very hard work for them to impersonate other accents. Brits are in the middle somewhere.

Edited March 8, 2013 by fire and ice

[terry9275]

He might be able to speak fluent Thai , but he can not sing, heard better in a Karoki bar , Simon Cowell would slaughter him.

[snooky]

IMHO, it seems he can sing much better than many of the recent top entrants on Acadamie Fantasia but he is not a 'pretty boy' so will probably not win.

Edited March 8, 2013 by snooky

[BWPattaya]

I don't rate his singing, and I don't rate his chances. Allowing a foreigner to win a Thai competiton? hais losing face?

[lambous]

Think you guys are being pretty harsh on the lad. He's done very well IMO

[Neeranam]

Good luck to him!

[krisb]

I don't think the Thais could hack a falang winning their competition could they?

[eeeya]

Look at this whole thread winging and ripping sh1t out of the guy

[IsaanUSA]

Look at this whole thread winging and ripping sh1t out of the guy

Lol, no kidding. His audition was just so-so, but when he had background music, he sounded just fine. I always think it's cool when foreigners can sing Thai songs. Good job Christopher!