From Buddhist Monk to Rock Star

From BBC Introducing artist to performing at the Dalai Lama’s public talk at the O2 Arena in just six months - this is the story of Ngawang Lodup’s remarkable rise. Exclusively for BBC iPlayer, From Buddhist Monk To Rock Star is the incredible story of triumph over adversity for the singing ex-monk, who ten years ago fled his life in a Tibetan monastery, trekking for 18 days, 250 miles, to pursue a life where he could freely express himself. After settling in the UK, Ngawang performed as a highly sought after singer amongst the Tibetan Diaspora in Europe but was picked up by BBC Radio 3 in April 2015 in the inaugural year of a BBC Introducing World Music scheme. In this intimate documentary portrait Ngawang speaks openly about his life and career, the pain of exile from his country and family and the central role that music plays in his life. This film tells Ngawang’s incredible story through a mix of interviews, archive footage and behind the scenes access along with live performances from Radio 3, WOMAD festival and the O2.