Nepathya
नेपथ्य
Background information
Also known asNepathya
OriginPokhara, Nepal
GenresFolk rock
Years active1991 (1991)–present
Labelsnepa~laya
MembersAmrit Gurung (Vocalist)
Suraj Thapa (Keyboard)
Subin Shakya (Bass Guitar)
Dhurba Lama (Drums)
Niraj Gurung (Lead Guitar)
Shanti Rayamajhi (Madal)
Past membersRabin Shrestha (vocals)
Bhim Pun (Drums)
Deepak Rana (Guitar)
Gautam Gurung (Vocals)
Hari Maharjan (Guitar)
Daniel Don Karthak (Bass Guitar)
Websitenepathya.com.np

Nepathya (Nepali: नेपथ्य, also spelled as Nepathaya) is a Nepalese folk rock band that was formed in the early 1990s. Nepathya was formed by Deepak Rana, Bhim Poon and Amrit Gurung while studying in Kathmandu, Nepal. The band has enjoyed both commercial and critical success. Nepathya is known for their contemporary songs with strong ties to indigenous music and lyrics using dialects from rural Nepal.[1][2]

Outside of Nepal, Nepathya has toured in the UK, the US, Australia, Japan, Israel, Germany, Finland, and India.[3][4]

Members

  • Amrit Gurung (Vocalist)
  • Suraj Thapa (Keyboard)
  • Subin Shakya (Bass Guitar)
  • Dhurba Lama (Drums)
  • Niraj Gurung (Lead Guitar)
  • Shanti Rayamajhi (Madal)

Amrit Gurung

The only active founding member of the band is its lead vocalist and primary songwriter, Amrit Gurung. Gurung was born in 1968 and raised in the small village of Mulpani, near Pokhara.[5] He claims his iconic glasses were given to him by one of his aunts, a follower of Mahatma Gandhi.

In 2010, Gurung returned to Mulpani, and currently inhabits a small farm there.[5]

Nepathya at Wembley Arena

Nepathya's Amrit Gurung (on the right) performing live in Helsinki World Village Festival 2006

Nepathya became the first Nepalese band to perform at Wembley Arena, England on August 3, 2013.[6] The concert was jointly presented by Parcha Productions (Nawal Rai and Samir Gurung) and Subsonic Routes. Nepathya's Wembley Arena concert remains the largest performance by a Nepali band.[7]

Albums

Nepathya has released nine albums to date.[8][9][10]

  • Nepathya – 1991 (featuring Barashat Ko Mausam)
  • Himal Chuchure – 1993 (featuring Chekyo Chekyo, Euta Chitthi)
  • Min Pachas Ma – 1995 (featuring Jomsom Bazar Ma, Chari Maryo Shisai Ko Goli Le)
  • Shringar – 1997 (featuring Saruma Rani, Yarling, Yatra)
  • Resham – 2001 (featuring Resham, Yo Zindagani)
  • Bhedako Oon Jasto – 2003 (featuring – Bhedako Oon Jasto, Sa Karnali, Taalko Pani, Samsajhaima)
  • Ghatana – 2005 (featuring – Ghatana)
  • Mero Desh – 2009 (featuring – Rato Ra Chandra Surya, Kasaile Sodhe, Aama, Mero Desh)
  • Aina Jhyal – 2010 (featuring – Siranma Photo Cha, Jogale Huncha Bhet, Salaijyo)

Style and lyrical themes

Nepathya's early work was influenced by folk-pop music, but their sound became more rock-inspired over time. Their lyrics also shifted focus from peace and spirituality to Nepalese politics. The album Ghatana was released during the country's civil war as a call for peace in Nepal.

See also

References

  1. "Nepathya to perform in New Zealand". The Himalayan Times. 19 July 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  2. "Nepathya's Hami Nepali shines with unifying theme". My Republica. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  3. "After Sydney show, Nepathya to travel to New Zealand". Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  4. "Nepali Times | The Brief  » Blog Archive  » Amrit at O2 Academy Brixton". www.nepalitimes.com. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  5. 1 2 Dhakal, Ashish (18 March 2023). "Amrit Gurung, unplugged". nepalitimes.com. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
  6. Amos, Owen (2 August 2013). "BBC News - Nepalese folk-rock band Nepathya to headline Wembley Arena". Bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
  7. Amos, Owen (2 August 2013). "Nepalese folk-rock band Nepathya to headline Wembley Arena". BBC News. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  8. "» About". Nepathyaband.com. Archived from the original on 24 September 2013. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
  9. "Nepathya simultaneously releases 'Sirfula' at digital music stores". The Himalayan Times. 29 January 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  10. "Nepathya releases new Nepali song 'Ho Rama Rama' on YouTube". The Himalayan Times. 11 September 2016. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
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