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This is a photo of my close friend Ko Chit.

As a young university student in Yangon (Rangoon) Ko Chit attended two demonstrations where the students demanded an end to military rule and a return to democracy. He was arrested by the military dictatorship and sentenced to 31 years in prison just for attending the demonstrations and handing out pamphlets. After surviving horrific treatment and conditions for almost 14 years Ko Chit was released when Myanmar began its decade of ‘semi democracy’ in 2011, before the military brutally took over again in 2021. I am honoured to have Ko Chit playing guitar and singing backing vocals on “Mandalay.”

Patrick Burgess’ new single, ‘Mandalay’ is OUT NOW on Bandcamp!
You can hear it here: https://patburgess.bandcamp.com/track/mandalay
Music video is coming very soon…

‘Mandalay’ tells the story of two student activists who fall in love in the intoxicating atmosphere of revolution. They are arrested and imprisoned but hold on to the memories of their love and their promise to meet up again… in Mandalay.

All proceeds from the sales of the single will be donated to the human rights programs of Asia Justice and Rights (AJAR.) Show your support on BANDCAMP: https://patburgess.bandcamp.com/track/mandalay

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Patrick Burgess’ new single, ‘Mandalay’ is OUT NOW on Bandcamp!

You can hear it here: https://patburgess.bandcamp.com/track/mandalay

Music video is coming very soon…

‘Mandalay’ tells the story of two student activists who fall in love in the intoxicating atmosphere of revolution. They are arrested and imprisoned but hold on to the memories of their love and their promise to meet up again… in Mandalay.

Hear it NOW on BANDCAMP: https://patburgess.bandcamp.com/track/mandalay

All proceeds from the sales of the single will be donated to the human rights programs of Asia Justice and Rights (AJAR.)

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Mandalay the new single by Patrick Burgess

Patrick Burgess’s new single, ‘Mandalay’ is OUT NOW on Bandcamp!

You can hear it here: https://patburgess.bandcamp.com/track/mandalay

Music video is coming very soon…

‘Mandalay’ tells the story of two student activists who fall in love in the intoxicating atmosphere of revolution. They are arrested and imprisoned but hold on to the memories of their love and their promise to meet up again… in Mandalay.

Hear it NOW on BANDCAMP: https://patburgess.bandcamp.com/track/mandalay

All proceeds from the sales of the single will be donated to the human rights programs of Asia Justice and Rights (AJAR.)

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I have been honoured to be invited to speak on a panel and play some of my original songs at two screenings in Sydney of the wonderful short film on Myanmar “Voices of Resistance.” The film tells the story of four young Burmese forced to flee their homeland following the brutal takeover by the military junta in 2001. Speakers on the panel included Sean Turnell, Australian university academic who was an advisor to the Myanmar government during its period of democracy. Sean was arrested along with Aung San Suu Kyi and spent almost two years in the infamous and appropriately named In Sein prison in Yangon.  Sean shared with the audience the incredible hardships, only surviving through the support and kindness of other political prisoners. We were also very fortunate to be joined and hear the reflections of Su Phyo Lwin, a senior Burmese peace and conflict expert who is now the Public Policy Manager on Myanmar for Meta.

   

Following the film and panel I took my guitar and played my new single, “Mandalay” which will be released in the next two weeks. The song tells the story of two student activists who fall in love in the intoxicating atmosphere of revolution. They are arrested and imprisoned but hold on to the memories of their love and their promise to meet up again…in Mandalay.

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Last week we played another sell-out show at Humph Hall in Sydney, a benefit for the earthquake victims in Myanmar. The gig was part of the “stories and songs” format that I have been doing, supported by DC playing acoustic guitars, particularly a 100 year old dobro slide guitar that I found at my Uncle Reg’s house. Our set was 12 original songs, totally acoustic, no mics or amps allowed in an old church hall with beautiful acoustics. There was standing room only and the crowd were fantastic. A big thanks to Caroline West Mick Dobrevovich and Brigitte Handley for fantastic tunes in support.

The 7.7 earthquake in Myanmar in April 2025 destroyed 90% of all houses and buildings in the area around Mandalay. Donations for the victims, with tax deductible receipts, can be provided through this link https://emergency-relief-burma.raiselysite.com

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I will be playing a show of original songs and stories next Sunday 4th May at 4pm-6pm at Humph Hall, 85 Allambie Rd, Allambie Heights. The show is totally acoustic, no microphones or amplifiers, just the stories, songs voices and guitars. I will be accompanied by DC, one of Australia’s best guitar players, on a 100 year old dobro slide guitar. The support act is Caroline West, a well known local singer songwriter, doctor and human rights activist. It’s around $25 a ticket and all proceeds to the earthquake victims in Myanmar. I think it’s going to be a great show so come along. Details, booking etc are here. See you there!

https://events.humanitix.com/myanmar-earthquake-fundraiser-humph-hall
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The 7.7 earthquake in Myanmar in April 2025 destroyed 90% of all houses and buildings in the area around Mandalay. Donations for the victims, with tax deductible receipts, can be provided through this link https://emergency-relief-burma.raiselysite.com

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This week I am in Aceh, northern Sumatra and yesterday I gave a training to the Aceh Truth and Reconciliation Commission. For 30 years the Acehnese suffered a devastating conflict, seeking greater autonomy and a fair share of the area’s oil and natural gas from the national Indonesian government.  As if the conflict was not enough, the 2004 tsunami killed more than 140,000 Acehnese in a single day, leading to the signing of a Peace Agreement in Helsinki.  Here is a historical photo of inspirational Acehnese women calling for peace and one taken yesterday of myself with the Commissioners and staff. The Commission’s job is to help strengthen sustainable peace by investigating the truth, promoting justice for perpetrators of mass crimes and assisting victims.