[Myanmar] Hundreds Pay Respects To Popular Composer Kat

Family, friends and fans paid tribute to Burmese songwriter Kyaw Kyaw Aung, better known as KAT, on Monday, after he suddenly died this past weekend.

RANGOON — Family, friends and fans paid tribute to popular Burmese songwriter Kyaw Kyaw Aung, better known as KAT, in Rangoon on Monday, after he suddenly passed away on Saturday.

Hundreds of people attended a wake that was held for Kyaw Kyaw Aung at Yayway Cemetery on Monday evening, including dozens of his friends and colleagues from the Burmese music and art scene. He was cremated on the same day.

Members of popular rock band Iron Cross and famous singers Lay Phyu and R Zarni were among mourners. Singer and actor Myat Thu Aung told The Irrawaddy that he was saddened by the death of Kyaw Kyaw Aung, who wrote a song for his new music album only a month ago.

“The early departure of KAT is an irreplaceable loss for us, as we can no longer listen to anymore of his great songs,†said singer Irene Zin Mar Myint, adding that she has been a fan of his work for a long time. Singer Kaung Kaung also expressed condolences for KAT and said he would pray for the soul of his mentor.

Kyaw Kyaw Aung, 48, died around 3 pm on Saturday of heart failure. He had suffered from cardiovascular disease for the past 10 years and had undergone an operation for his ailments in recent years.

“He choked while chewing betel nut and then became unconscious, so we took him to nearest hospital but he had already died by the time we got there,†said David, a close friend of Kyaw Kyaw Aung.

A native of Monywa City in Sagaing Division, he worked in Burma’s music industry as a song writer for more than 20 years. Kyaw Kyaw Aung also wrote poetry under the name of Kyaw Aung Thit. He mostly composed romantic rock songs for well-known artists, including Burma’s most popular band Iron Cross.

In 2006, Kyaw Kyaw Aung joined Melody World Music Contest, a popular talent show on Burmese television, where he served as a judge.

Kyaw Kyaw Aung is survived by his wife Chan Ai Mon, and a brother and two sisters.