Daoviang Butnakho (, also spelled Daovieng Boudnakho; 3 August 1954 â 6 March 2019), was a famous Laotian writer, poet, journalist, musician and songwriter in the genres Luk thung and Phleng Phuea Chiwit. He won the National Artist award from Laos in 2011.
He was born in Khong District, Champasak Province, Laos. He was a son of Ngiem and Khampan Butnakho. He has eleven siblings.
Daoviang Butnakho started work as a journalist in Laotian newspaper Suksa Mai, and wrote many novels, poets and articles.
In 1992, he started working as a musician and songwriter, and was successful. He wrote songs for The Supphies, a Laotian rock music band.
In 1996, Butnakho started to write songs in the genre Luk thung in Laos. He composed for successful Laotian artists including Daeng Douangduean, Bounkerd Niuhuang, Ki Daophet Niuhuang, Kee Morakot, and Xaiyo Kotamee.
In 2002, he wrote the song Kaem Daeng Raeng Jai, which was sung by Tai Orathai.
In 2007, Isan music became very popular in Laos and he stopped songwriting. During his time as a composer, he composed more than 500 songs.
Butnakho died on 6 March 2019 from diabetes in a hospital in Champasak Province, aged 64.
In 1999, Komphet Phorncharoen wrote a song titled "Namta Sao Warin" (à ¸Âà ¹Âà ¸³à ¸Âà ¸²à ¸ªà ¸²à ¸§à ¸§à ¸²à ¸£à ¸´à ¸Â), which was sung sang by the Isan singer Jintara Poonlarp. The melody came from the pattern of "Sao Simueang", which was written by Butnakho and sang by Bounkerd Niuhuang.
In 2002, Sala Khunnawut covered two songs by Butnakho for the album Phleng Dang Song Fang Khong by Mike Phiromphon.