Hugo

Singer and songwriter Hugo Chakrabongse entered the world in England yet passed the bulk of his childhood and young adult years in Thailand. There he took parts in multiple Thai soap operas before launching his initial group, Siplor. Early shows by the band blended original material, Jefferson Airplane covers, and the theme from one of Hugo’s soaps, and these outings were rough at first; nonetheless Siplor climbed to the forefront of Thailand’s rock circuit, recognized both for its psychedelic country-rock style and its vocal support of pro-democracy causes. Following four albums together, Hugo relocated to London to pursue work as a solo artist.

Performing simply as Hugo, he co-wrote “Disappear” for Beyoncé’s best-selling 2008 album I Am...Sasha Fierce, which in turn secured him a place on her husband’s label. He next honored Roc Nation founder Jay-Z with a thumping, folksy cover of “99 Problems” that appeared in the 2010 film No Strings Attached. One year later Old Tyme Religion brought Hugo to Western audiences through a blend of pop, rock, and soul.