#NtseegKuv10Years: My Last Funeral

MusicPerformanceSpecial FeatureSinging
Written By Pagnia Xiong

This was the last funeral I performed at.

In the 2010 album, "Ntseeg Kuv," I co-wrote "Zaj Npau Suav," which is inspired by losing a loved one. Shortly after its release, I received performance requests by fans for the funerals of their loved ones. I would sing “Zaj Npau Suav” and cry on stage. This time, which was the very last time, I was so emotional the audience had to bring me a tissue.

I'm an empath, which means I can feel and sense others' emotions as if they're my own. So at every funeral, I felt the very devastating pain of the audience, which gravely impacted my performance. With my intention to heal through music, I felt, professionally, performing at funerals would not allow me to adequately do so. So, after this funeral, I made the decision to only observe and no longer sing at funerals.

I'm truly grateful to my beloved fan & friend who invited me to celebrate her beautiful mom's life on this September day in 2010. It's been ten years since she left, but I can still see her sweet smile and can only imagine how proud she is of you.

Pagnia Xiong

Pagnia Xiong is an internationally recognized Hmong-American singer, actor, and creative producer. A self-taught artist, Pagnia has spent nearly two decades using her music to empower women, promote self-love, and inspire the pursuit of dreams. Her albums and performances have reached hundreds of thousands worldwide, and she's made history as the first Hmong-American female music artist to perform at a major U.S. league sporting event. Beyond music, Pagnia is an accomplished actor, making her main stage debut with Theater Mu to critical acclaim. She recently headlined her first solo concert at the Ordway and launched a Hmong Music Mentorship program in 2025.

http://www.pagniaxiong.com
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#NtseegKuv10Years: "Zaj Npau Suav" (HMSA 2011-2012 Heritage Day Performance)
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Zaj Npau Suav (Live from Nyob Ib Sab Concert-Sation)