Aung San Suu Kyi congratulates the 2011 Freedom to Create Imprisoned Artist Prize winner Win Maw

Aung San Suu Kyi congratulates Win Maw 

Aung San Suu Kyi congratulates the 2011 Freedom to Create Imprisoned Artist Prize winner Win Maw

A specially recorded congratulatory message for Win Maw from Burma's pro-democracy leader and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi, that was shared with the audience at the 2011 Freedom to Create Prize Concert in Cape Town.

Win Maw

Imprisoned Prize - Winner 2011

Win Maw has been an inspirational guitarist and songwriter in Myanmar (formerly Burma) for decades, continuing to make music even in the prison cell to which he was sentenced for 10 years in 2009. He expresses the political views of the Burmese people with his music which provides a rallying point for the masses during the numerous political upheavals in Myanmar. He is a leading exponent of artists giving voice to democratic movements for social change. Earlier this year, three of his new songs were smuggled out of prison to be used for International Music Freedom Day.

Win was already 18 months into a seven-year sentence on charges of breaching the Immigration Act when the additional 10 years were added in 2009. This is his second jail sentence, having already served time for composing pro-democracy songs in 2002. Win was beaten and tortured during the early stages of his detention, accused of being the mastermind behind the in-country news coverage of the September 2007 monk-led uprising. His jail term was extended under the Electronics Act, which allows for harsh prison sentences for using electronic media to send information outside of the country without prior government approval.

Win’s arrest has brought pain and struggle to his family, wife and children. His wife now shoulders the responsibility for the children’s education and the family’s survival. The cultural community in Myanmar acutely feel the loss of an important voice of freedom.

Win continues to inspire young artists with his music and his courage, and even from prison, continues to strive for democracy and the freedom to create for all imprisoned artists around the world.