Revolutionary forces have issued a warning regarding Hip Hop events, including the 25th anniversary celebration of Myanmar Hip Hop, being organized by Htet Ye Naing, son of Military Council Joint Secretary and Security Force Chief Lieutenant General Ye Win Oo in Yangon. The events, including the Noid Music Festival held from March 1st to 2nd at Shwe Htut Tin compound owned by Shwe Than Lwin Company, were reportedly conducted 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 serves as the chief of the military’s security forces (Sa Ra Pha). He is directly responsible for the arrest, torture, and killing of revolutionary activists and civilians, as well as leading efforts to infiltrate revolutionary networks. As one of the top military generals, Ye Win Oo is identified as a primary figure responsible for the oppression of political activists and civilians. He has been deeply involved in the coup since its inception and continues to play a central role in the military council’s operations against the people.
Htet Ye Naing currently provides financial support to many Burmese rappers and organizes events that align with the military council’s interests. He is also the behind-the-scenes supporter of IAMHIPHOP, After Past Record Label, and the Myanmar music producer competition known as Beatz Bangaz. While he claims to be working to revitalize Myanmar’s Hip Hop scene, critics argue that his activities effectively support the military dictatorship. The military council has historically used artists throughout different eras to maintain their oppressive control over the Myanmar people and for propaganda purposes, a fact that cannot be disputed.
Revolutionary forces have condemned and boycotted Hip Hop events and musical performances associated with the son of Security Force Chief Ye Win Oo, warning against any continued involvement with such activities. It is worth noting that Lieutenant General Ye Win Oo has two children: daughter Thant Thanzar Ye and son Htet Ye Naing. His daughter Thant Thanzar Ye is married to the son of Defense Minister General Mya Tun Oo, making Ye Win Oo and Mya Tun Oo in-laws. The revolutionary forces emphasize that these entertainment events should not be used as a tool to normalize or legitimize the military council’s authority and oppression of the Myanmar people.
