“Once In A While”, the heartfelt new single and music video from Thai refugee artists Star2 and Seko. Both born in the Mae La refugee camp in Thailand, the artists draw on their rich cultural heritage with the song almost entirely sung in the Ka-ren language and the music video filmed in Thailand.
“Once In A While” features poignant lyrics that reflect the deep emotions of longing and love, such as “My tears I secretly wipe them away by myself / I love you so much, so whatever you say is never wrong / I’ll chase after you over a hundred times”. Tugging at your heartstrings, the song is beautifully layered with rich harmonies, delicate piano notes, and a backdrop of female vocals that evoke a sense of connection that feels both intimate and distant. As both artists deliver their verses with raw, unfiltered emotion, the feeling of lost love is one that is never forgotten.
Refugee pop meets hip hop artist Star2 fled his refugee camp as a child whenthe Burmese Armydestroyed their village and attacked them in the middle of the night. Faced with overwhelming heartache and loss growing up, Star2 found his solace in music. He has collaborated with the likes of Soulja Boy, $tupid Young, Mozzy, MBNel, Luh Kel, Lil Poppa, HoodTrophy Bino, YSN Flow, and MarMar Oso just to name a few. Now, Star2 is on a mission to elevate the next generation of Ka-ren and Asian Artists.
Watch & Listen to “Once In A While”
Star2’s documentary RETURN TO KAWTHOOLEI: A Refugee Rapper’s Journey to His Homeland in Burma has been awarded by several film festivals this year. Check out the trailer HERE
Star2 began his life in a Thai refugee camp where he was forced to flee genocide from the Burmese army in Myanmar who burned his village to the ground. A lottery in the camp brought him to San Diego with his grandmother and her four children, where he began a new life. His collaborations with acclaimed artists include Soulja Boy, $tupid Young, Mozzy, MBNel, Luh Kel, Lil Poppa, HoodTrophy Bino, YSN Flow, and MarMar Oso to name a few. While not on tour, he documents his journey in the popular ‘Adventures of Star2’ series on YouTube. As an influential figure in Asian-American music, Star2 entwines heartfelt stories with captivating visuals, chronicling a tale of resilience and ascent. Esteemed platforms like Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam, GQ, HotNewHipHop, Ones to Watch, BET, and Lyrical Lemonade, among others, have celebrated his contributions.
Star2’s Socials: