Music of Nepal
With more than fifty ethnic groups, the music of Nepal is highly diverse. Genres like Pop, and Tamang Selo. The Himalayan nation of Nepal is home to over fifty ethnic groups, and this diversity is reflected in the country’s rich musical output. Some of Nepal’s most popular genres today include folk, classical music, Ratna, pop, rock, and Nep-hop (Nepali hip-hop); indigenous musical genres span Newar, Gurung, Kirat, Tamang, Magar, Tharu, Sherpa music, and many more. In recent years, Nepal’s musical heritage has enjoyed a revival as young musicians fuse the sounds of traditional instruments, which include a leaf from a native tree that is played like a harmonica, once at risk of disappearing, with lyrics that explore the contemporary challenges facing the country. Examining Nepal’s varied sonic output, Something Curated takes a closer look at five Nepali musicians currently shaping the country’s unique sound.
Newa Music
Newa music, also called Newar Music, is a form of traditional music developed in Nepal by the Newars. The music has its roots in classical Hindu and Buddhist music and evolved with the incorporation of folk music of the Kathmandu valley and its peripheries. Instruments used are mainly percussion and wind instruments.
Adhunik Geet
Adhunik Geet or modern songs are popular songs in Nepal and is also known as sugam sangeet. These of songs are soft and melodious. One of the most famous singers of this genre was late Narayan Gopal who was also known as a “Swar Samrat” meaning King of ‘Voice’ in Nepali and gave hits like “Euta Manchhe Ko”, and “Yeti Dherai Maya Dii”. Aruna Lama was one of the well-known singers of Nepali music. She is popularly known as the “Nightingale of the Hills”. She has sung hundreds of Nepali songs.
Dohori
Dohori is a genre of Nepali folk music and has roots in the rural courtship traditions. In Nepali, Dohori literally means from both sides or a debate. This debate is in musical rhythm, and involves quick and witty poetry. The two teams taking part in a Dohori usually involves boys and girls in rival teams. The song starts with a question, usually from the boys’ side. The girl follows the question with a quick response and the two teams continue the musical conversation.
Dohori songs can last for as long as a week. The length of the Dohori depends on the quick thinking ability and wit of the players.
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