Lhasa

Early Life

Lhasa de Sela, known simply as Lhasa, was born in Big Indian, New York, to a Mexican father, Alejandro Sela, and an American mother, Alexandra Karam. Her unique name was inspired by a book about Tibet, chosen by her mother when Lhasa was just five months old. Growing up, she traveled extensively across the United States and Mexico in a converted school bus, where her family embraced a rich musical environment. Lhasa was home-schooled and immersed in diverse musical influences, including the works of Chilean musician Victor Jara, whom she admired as a child.

Career

Lhasa's musical journey took off with the release of her debut album, "La Llorona," in 1997, which blended traditional Latin American songs with original compositions. The album, produced by Audiogram, showcased her unique sound influenced by various genres, including klezmer and gypsy jazz. It achieved significant success, earning her a Félix Award and a Juno Award, and was certified Platinum in Canada. Following her initial success, Lhasa toured extensively, including performances at Lilith Fair, before relocating to France in 1999 to join her sisters in a circus/theatre company, where she continued to explore her artistic expression.

Legacy

Lhasa's contributions to music, particularly in the world and folk genres, have left a lasting impact. Her ability to sing in Spanish, despite not being fluent, allowed her to connect deeply with her audience, as she felt the language came from a more profound place. Lhasa's artistic journey reflects her multicultural background and her dedication to her craft, making her a beloved figure in the music world until her disbandment in 2010.