YINGJIANG, China — Jackson Htun, a beloved Kachin singer widely known by his birth name Lahtaw Zau Lum, has died at the age of 39. His passing was confirmed on Thursday, April 9, 2026, following several days in intensive care.
The singer, whose iconic hit “Manau Myay Mha Tay Thann Thar” (Melody from the Manau Land) became a cultural anthem for the Kachin people, passed away while undergoing treatment for a brain hemorrhage at a hospital in Yingjiang, China, near the Myanmar border.
News of his death prompted a wave of tributes across social media from fans and fellow artists. Maran Seng Naw, who collaborated with him on his most famous track, expressed his grief online, writing: “Rest in peace, Brother Jat. You can finally rest now.”
Jackson Htun’s health reportedly declined rapidly after suffering a stroke on April 4. While rumors of his death had circulated earlier in the week, they were initially dismissed byclose associates until the formal confirmation on Thursday morning.
Beyond his musical career, Jackson Htun was remembered for his humility and active involvement in community service. Residents of Laiza, the headquarters of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), recalled frequently seeing the star volunteering for everyday tasks.
“He was often seen helping with traffic control in Laiza,” a former resident told MPA. “He was incredibly kind and approachable, never acting like a celebrity. It is a profound loss for our community.”
Throughout the years of conflict in northern Myanmar, Jackson Htun’s music provided a sense of identity and comfort to thousands of displaced people. His songs often touched on the beauty of the Kachin highlands and the resilience of its people, earning him a place as one of the most influential ethnic artists of his generation.
His death marks the end of a career that spanned over a decade, leaving behind a legacy of songs that continue to resonate within the ethnic Kachin community both inside Myanmar and in the diaspora.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be held in his hometown, though details remain limited as his family coordinates the return of his remains from China.
