For Karma Sherab, now known as Da TaKo, music did not begin in a studio. It began in a home filled with warmth, prayer flags, and the calm rhythm of Bhutanese life. “I grew up surrounded by love and culture,” he recalled. “Everything around me stories, songs and spirituality, it all shaped how I feel music today.”
But the turning point came unexpectedly. In ninth grade, his father handed him a guitar.
“That moment stays with me,” he said with a smile. “I didn’t know it then, but that guitar would change the direction of my life.” From strumming simple chords to writing his first melodies, Karma began to uncover a talent that felt both natural and deeply fulfilling.
Karma’s academic path took him from Sherubtse College where he studied Dzongkha and Media Studies to Cardiff, United Kingdom, where he pursued a Master’s in Songwriting and Production at the University of South Wales.
“Education didn’t just give me skills,” he said. “It gave me perspective. It helped me understand how stories work, how emotions move through music, and how I want to express myself.”
His time in Cardiff expanded his musical world and exposed him to a diverse soundscape that would later influence his unique style.
The name Da TaKo carries a story of its own where it blends artistry with heritage.
“‘Da’ comes from Leonardo da Vinci. To me, he represents creativity without limits,” he explained. “‘TaKo’ is a name my grandfather used for me. It connects me to home, to where I truly belong.”
Together, the name captures the essence of who he strives to be: an artist rooted in Bhutan but reaching far beyond its borders.
Growing up, Da TaKo looked up to artists who blended storytelling with emotional truth including Eminem, J. Cole, Russ and Kendrick Lamar.
“What I learned from them is simple,” he said. “Be honest. Be yourself. Music without honesty feels empty.”
This belief became the foundation of his craft. “My music helped me become more resilient and disciplined,” he added. “It taught me to confront my emotions instead of hiding from them.”
Da TaKo’s music stands out for how effortlessly he fuses Bhutanese culture with contemporary hip-hop and experimental sounds. His tracks often feature Dzongkha lyrics, traditional melodies, Himalayan scales, and Buddhist philosophical themes.
“I’m proud of where I come from,” he said. “I want my listeners to feel Bhutan even if they’ve never been there.” His mission is clear: to bring Bhutanese stories, spirituality, and sounds to global audiences.
Like many independent artists, Da TaKo had to face moments of self-doubt, financial pressures, and the overwhelming task of navigating the music industry alone. “There were days I questioned everything,” he admitted. “But every time I thought of giving up, my passion pulled me back. And so did my community.”
He credits his resilience to the people who believed in him – from friends back home to supporters across the world. “I carry Bhutan with me,” he said. “That gives me strength.”
Da TaKo’s journey has taught him lessons he now shares with young Bhutanese artists who look up to him.
“To the youth, I want to say this: Start with what you have. Don’t wait for perfect conditions,” he said. “Be disciplined, humble, and committed. Your effort will take you further than you imagine.”
To his international listeners, he extends heartfelt gratitude. “Thank you for giving space to Bhutanese voices,” he said. “Music is a universal language, and it’s helping us connect in ways I never thought possible.”
The future looks bright for Da TaKo. In September 2025, he and his group TheLungten embarked on the Tour of the Soul across Australia, performing in Canberra, Brisbane and Perth.
It was an achievement made possible with support from The Higher Perspective Entertainment.
“It feels surreal,” he said. “Every step forward reminds me of how far this journey has already taken me.”
From the hills of Thimphu to the creative studios of Cardiff, Da TaKo’s story reflects what talent can become when nurtured by passion and perseverance. His rise is not only a personal triumph but also a symbol of what Bhutanese artists can achieve on the world stage.
“My dream is simple,” he said. “To share my voice, my culture, and my truth. If my journey inspires even one young artist to keep going, that’s enough for me.”
As Da TaKo continues to shape his sound and sharpen his vision, his journey becomes more than a personal pursuit rather it is a testament to what passion can achieve when it is rooted in identity and fuelled by determination. His rise from a soft-spoken boy in Thimphu to an artist performing on international stages shows that dreams do not belong only to the privileged or to those born in creative hubs. They belong to anyone willing to nurture their talent, embrace their truth, and persist through uncertainty.
Every chord he first learned on his father’s guitar, every verse he wrote late into the night, every struggle he pushed through while studying abroad, each step built a path not only for himself but for every young Bhutanese artist who dares to imagine a bigger life.
And in Da TaKo’s journey, we witness a truth many forget: that dreams grow not from perfect circumstances but from the courage to start small, stay genuine, and keep going. His story reminds us, brilliantly and boldly, that authenticity, hard work, and cultural pride can transform even the humblest beginnings into a narrative strong enough to echo around the world. It also highlights how the right support can shape raw talent into something extraordinary. When a young artist is uplifted, guided, and believed in, their potential blossoms – often into achievements far greater than anyone first imagined, and into a voice that deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
Sherab Dorji
From Business Bhutan
