Carabao (band) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Carabao
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Carabao in Switzerland, June 6, 2008
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| Background information | |
| Native name |
คาราบาว
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| Origin | Thailand |
| Genres | Rock, Phleng phuea chiwit |
| Years active | 1981–present |
| Labels | Warner Music (Thailand) |
| Members |
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| Past members |
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Carabao (Thai: คาราบาว) is a super popular Thai rock band. They are famous in Thailand and other parts of Asia. The band started in 1981. University students Yuenyong Opakul (known as Aed) and Kirati Promsaka Na Sakon Nakhon (Keo or Khiao) met in the Philippines and formed the group. The name carabao means "buffalo." A buffalo is a symbol of strength, hard work, and patience.
Carabao is known for their "Phleng phuea chiwit" (เพลงเพื่อชีวิต) songs. This means 'songs for life'. This music style became popular in the 1970s. It was often used for protest songs. Carabao mixes this folk style with Thai music, Western rock, and country music. They also add sounds from Latin music and reggae. People call them 'ethnic rockers' or the 'Rolling Stones of Asia'.
Carabao's songs often talk about important social issues. They sing about fairness and helping ordinary Thai people. But they also have love songs and songs with deep messages for everyone. The lead singer and songwriter, Aed Carabao, is very loved. He is also known for speaking out about unfairness and protecting the environment. Some of their songs were even banned by the government in the past. Despite this, Carabao is the most popular Thai rock group ever. They are seen as a legendary band, like the rock band U2.
Contents
Carabao's Journey: A Band's History
Carabao has a long and interesting history. Many members have joined, left, and rejoined the band over the years. Aed, the leader, guitarist, and singer, is the only one who has been on every album and tour. Bassist Ot and guitarist Lek have also been with the band for a very long time.
How Carabao Began
Carabao first formed in the Philippines. It had three members: Aed, Keo, and Khai. They all sang and played guitar. The band stopped when Aed went back to Thailand.
Aed kept playing music and writing songs. He played with other bands. But he really wanted his own band again. So, he decided to bring Carabao back. He convinced Keo to return and play bass guitar.
Early Albums and Growing Sound
Carabao released their first album, Lung Khii Maw (ลุงขี้เมา - "The Drunken Old Man"), in 1981. It featured Aed and Khiao. The sound was simple and folky, like other 'Songs for Life' bands. But it also had a rock feel. Some songs used melodies from Asian folk music. The album didn't sell many copies. Aed then looked for more band members so they could play live shows.
A big change happened when guitarist and singer Preecha Chanapai (Lek) joined. Lek had a strong, unique guitar style. Aed felt more confident in the band with Lek. For their second album, members of Lek's old band, "The President Band," helped out. This included Anupong Prathompatama (Ot) on bass. The second album had much more rock music. It also showed influences from American music styles.
Carabao became famous across Thailand with their third album, Waniphok (วณิพก - "The Wandering Minstrel"). The main song told the story of a blind street musician and became a huge hit. This song used the special "Samcha" rhythm. This rhythm mixes Thai folk music with Latin beats. Many future Carabao songs would use this style. Aed proudly noted that before Waniphok, discos in Thailand only played Western songs. But this catchy Thai rhythm changed things.
For their fourth album, they added a permanent drummer, Amnaat Luukjan (Pao). Ot was invited to be the official bassist, but he was busy. So, Phairat Phoemchalat (Rat) joined on bass. Thanit Siiklindii (Ajaan) played woodwind instruments, and Thierry (Ri) sang backing vocals. Both would soon become official members. This album kept the folk sound but also showed their growing mix of styles.
Becoming Superstars
Carabao's most famous album, Made In Thailand (เมดอินไทยแลนด์), came out in 1984. It sold over four million copies! The main song was a hit in many nearby countries too. This album had many different music styles. It blended rock, folk, Thai styles like Luk Thung, reggae, Latin beats, and even some classical Thai music.
By this time, Thanit Siiklindii (Ajaan) and Thierry Mekwattana had become full members. Keo's role changed to backing vocals and playing many instruments live. Before the 'Made in Thailand' tour, Rat left, and Ot rejoined as an official member. This seven-member group is seen by many fans as the classic Carabao lineup. It included Aed, Keo, Lek, Ot, Pao, Ajaan, and Thierry.
This classic lineup made several more hit albums in the 1980s. Their music became powerful and often talked about social issues. They had hit songs like "Welcome to Thailand" and "Thaplang." The song "Thaplang" was about a stolen Thai statue. The song's chorus meant "Take back Michael Jackson, give us back the Phra Narai!"
During this time, Carabao became Thailand's most popular music group ever. They kept mixing many different Thai and international music styles.
Changes in the Band
After the "Thaplang" album in 1988, some members started leaving to work on their own music. Thierry, Ajan, and Pao left first. The band was down to four members. For their 10th album, Ham Jot Khwai, they played with other musicians. After touring for this album, Khiao left, and the band announced they were breaking up.
But soon, Aed, Lek, and Ot were playing together again. They had new musicians, including Luechai Ngamsom (Duk) on keyboards and Chuchat Nuduang (Ko) on drums. At first, they didn't use the name "Carabao." But Aed was convinced to bring the name back. With Keo gone, Aed was the only original member. However, Lek and Ot had been with the band almost from the beginning.
After their 12th album, Lek left the band. Kajonsak Hutawatthana (Mee) replaced him on guitar. Many fans were sad about the changes. But this version of the band still released three albums in the early 1990s. They were still very popular in Thailand. They had hit songs like "Raeng Koi" and "Luang Phaw Khun." A sixth live member, Sayaaphoon Singthoong (Nong), joined on percussion and backing vocals. Sometimes, the classic lineup would reunite for live shows.
The Band Reunites
In 1995, the "classic" lineup decided to reunite for the band's 15th anniversary. They recorded a double album called Hak Huajai Yang Rak Khwai ("If You Still Love Buffaloes"). This album became their biggest hit in years. It made them Thailand's top band again. However, the reunion didn't last long. The Aed-Ot-Duk-Mi-Ko-Nong lineup continued, with some help from Keo.
For their 18th album, Amerikan Anthaphaan, Lek, Thierry, and Keo rejoined the band. Keo's return was short, but Lek and Thierry stayed. This created a new lineup with four members from the "classic" band (Aed, Lek, Thierry, and Ot). It also had four later members (Duk, Ko, Mee, and Nong). A new member, Thepajon Phanthuphongthai (Uan), joined on percussion, flute, and drums.
Celebrating Anniversaries
Since then, Carabao has released more albums. They have had more success with critics and fans. They have released 28 official studio albums. With special albums, live albums, and collections, they have over 60 albums in total. The band's lineup has stayed mostly the same. Percussionist Nong left due to illness after their 25th album and later passed away. Also, classic-era members Keo (Khiao) and Ajaan have sometimes appeared on albums and live shows, even though they are not official members anymore.
In 2011, Carabao celebrated their 30th anniversary with many concerts. The biggest one was "Velodrome Returns." The band played almost 50 songs at this concert. They even played a twenty-minute mix of 17 "sam cha" songs.
A special Carabao event, the Carabao New Year Expo, was held in December 2011. It lasted seven days with seven different themes. During the day, fans could see Carabao items, attend music workshops, and buy merchandise. Each evening, there was a Carabao concert with a different theme. The band has over 500 songs! Some members had to relearn old songs they hadn't played in years. Keo, Ajaan, and other members from the classic lineup joined for the Expo and the big 30th Anniversary concert.
A 30th Anniversary album of new songs was released. It was called “Gamlang Jai” (“Strength of Spirit”). The album's theme was that fans and the band give each other strength. This album also included a DVD with music videos. All previous Carabao albums were re-released for the 30th anniversary.
Since then, Carabao has released another album, 'Sawadii Phrathet Thai' (Hello Thailand). They continue to play live with their eight-member lineup. Sometimes, other classic-era members join them.
Carabao in Movies and TV
In 2013, a movie called “Young Bao” was made. It told the story of how the band started. This was actually the second movie about their beginnings. The first was "Music of Freedom," released in 1985. In that movie, the band members played themselves! In “Young Bao,” famous musicians played the young Carabao members. For example, Thierry's own son, Jessie Mekwatanna, played him as a teenager.
In 2013, the band members got to play with Santana. Santana was one of their biggest musical inspirations! This led to Carabao's 28th official album, “Sawadee Prathet Thai” (“Hello Thailand”), released in November 2013. It has a song called “Santana Carabao” that mixes both bands' sounds.
A weekly TV show called “Carabao The Series” started in September 2013. Each episode is based on the lyrics of a different Carabao song. Carabao songs are known for their vivid stories. Some song characters, like the blind street musician from “Wanipok,” are very famous. So, each episode turns a Carabao song into a 40-minute drama. The dramas stay true to the song's feeling. Three band members, Aed, Lek, and Thierry, introduce each drama. They talk about the song for the week. Then, a younger band plays a cover of the song at the end of the episode.
In 2014, former band member Nong Carabao passed away at age 50. He had been with the band from 1995 to 2007. He left the band because of illness.
Discography
Membership timeline
Images for kids
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A Thai AirAsia Airbus A320 with a special design celebrating the band's 30th anniversary, seen at Khon Kaen Airport in October 2013.
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Carabao on stage at their 40th anniversary tour in 2022, The Green Mango Club on Ko Samui.
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Carabao at a concert on 14 May 2009 in Bo Phut, Koh Samui, Thailand.
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Carabao in concert by Plai Laem Temple, 18th June 2012, Ko Samui.
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See also
In Spanish: Carabao (banda) para niños
