Revolutionary forces have issued warnings regarding hip-hop music events in Yangon, including the 25th anniversary of Myanmar Hip-Hop, which are being organized by Htet Ye Naing, son of Military Council Joint Secretary and Security Force Chief Lieutenant General Ye Win Oo. The events, including the Noid Music Festival celebrating 25 years of Myanmar Hip-Hop, were held at the Shwe Htut Tin compound owned by Shwe Than Lwin Company from March 1st to 2nd, with indirect support and protection from the military council.
Lieutenant General Ye Win Oo, father of the event organizer Htet Ye Naing, is a key figure in the military coup and leads operations involving the arrest, torture, and killing of revolutionary activists and civilians. He also directs efforts to infiltrate revolutionary networks. His son, Htet Ye Naing, currently provides financial support to many Myanmar rappers and organizes music events that align with the military council’s interests. He is attempting to revitalize Myanmar’s hip-hop scene while maintaining connections to the military regime through various initiatives including IAMHIPHOP, After Past Record Label, and the Beatz Bangaz music producer competition.
The military council has historically used artists as tools for maintaining oppressive control over Myanmar’s people and spreading their propaganda. Revolutionary forces have condemned these music events associated with the military council and warned against any continued association with Htet Ye Naing. It is worth noting that Lieutenant General Ye Win Oo has two children – daughter Thaint Thanzar Ye and son Htet Ye Naing. His daughter is married to the son of Defense Minister General Mya Tun Oo, making the two military leaders in-laws. The revolutionary groups emphasize that these connections between the military leadership and cultural events represent ongoing efforts by the regime to maintain control through various means, including the arts and entertainment sector.
