Sonam’s passion for music was inspired by his mother. In his early teens, he was already broadcasting songs on the radio, composing his own songs, and gaining national recognition. Later, he mastered the drangyen (lute), studying under the primary elders of this Bhutanese folk tradition. During university vacations. He is the founder director of Bhutan Music Research Centre’s and is working towards preservation and promotion of Bhutanese musical and cultural traditions. He has given lecture demonstrations at the Asian Society talk show; Smithsonian’s Folklife Festival. Jaipur Literature Festival, International Council for Traditional Music (ICTM) Conference, International Folk Music Film Festival, Nepal. He is the recipient of awards for MBRC documentary: A Journey to Sengbji, Trongsa ICTM Conference Bangkok, Thailand,2019. He has been awarded National Order of Merit (Gold) by His Majesty the 5th King, during the 109th National Day, 2016.
