Batmönkhiin Sarantuyaa (; born 20 April 1970), known mononymously as Sarantuya or simply Saraa, is a Mongolian mezzo-soprano singer who has been a major figure in the pop music scene of the Mongol people since the late 1980s. She is still very popular among the Mongolian population, and is recognized as the queen of Mongolian pop music. She uses a falsetto technique when singing.
Saraa is the highest-selling Mongolian artist of all time, with hits like "Torson Odriin Bayar", "Bi Jargaltai", "Argagui Amrag", and others.
Saraa was born in Ulaanbaatar, and started off singing in a small band called "Mungun Harandaa" (translated as "Silver Pencil"). Her first solo live-concert, named "Setgeliin Khug", was in 1994 with 2325 fans in attendance. Throughout her career, she has released total of 23 studio albums. Her 40th Anniversary concert named “Khairiin burkhan” was one of the hugest events of Mongolian pop industry.
Awards Known as the "Pop Diva", Saraa was named "Singer of the Century" - an unprecedented honor for a Mongolian. She has also received numerous other awards, one of which is "Best Artist" from Pentatonic, a mainstream music festival held annually.
Personal life Saraa's mother is of Yakut descent. Saraa is divorced and has two children, a son and daughter. She was once married to Boldkhuyag, a Golomt Bank executive.
Discography TitleYearЗүүдний говь1993Инээмтгий хүн1994Аргагүй амраг1996Миний дуу (cassette)1997Эгэл сэтгэл1998Хайрын зөрлөг2000Тэгвэл хоёулаа (children's songs)2001Saraa De Mооn2002Би жаргалтай — 2 CD2003Шинэ жилийн аялгуу2004Өнөөдөр ирсэн дурлал2007Төрсөн өдрийн аялгуу2009Аргагүй Монгол аялгуу2011
References
Further reading
Marsh, Peter, Mongolian Rock and Pop Book: Mongolia Sings its Own Song. 1999. Press Institute of Mongolia/UNDP Mongolia Communications Office.