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 are known for their contemporary songs with strong ties to indigenous music and lyrics using dialects from rural Nepal.[1][2]
Nepathya नेपथ्य | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Also known as | Nepathya |
| Origin | Pokhara, Nepal |
| Genres | Folk rock |
| Years active | 1991–present |
| Labels | nepa~laya |
| Members | Amrit Gurung (Vocalist) Dinesh Raj Regmi (Keyboard) Subin Shakya (Bass Guitar) Dhurba Lama (Drums) Niraj Gurung (Lead Guitar) Shanti Rayamajhi (Madal) |
| Past members | Rabin Shrestha (Vocals) Bhim Pun (Drums) Deepak Rana (Guitar) Gautam Gurung (Vocals) Hari Maharjan (Guitar) Daniel Don Karthak (Bass Guitar) Suraj Thapa (Keyboard) |
| Website | nepathya |
During their musical career, Nepathya has toured countries like UK, the US, Australia, Japan, Israel, Germany, Finland, India and many more.[3][4]
Amrit Gurung
editThe only active founding member of the band is its lead vocalist and primary songwriter, Amrit Gurung.[5] Gurung was born in 1968 and raised in the small village of Mulpani, near Pokhara.[6] He claims his iconic glasses were given to him by one of his aunts, who was a follower of Mahatma Gandhi.
In 2010, Gurung returned to Mulpani, and currently inhabits a small farm there.[6] Since 2020, he has recorded no music.[7]
Nepathya at Wembley Arena
edit
Nepathya became the first Nepalese band to perform at Wembley Arena, England on August 3, 2013.[8] 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.[9]
Members
edit- Amrit Gurung (Vocalist)
- Dinesh Raj Regmi (Keyboard)
- Subin Shakya (Bass Guitar)
- Dhurba Lama (Drums)
- Niraj Gurung (Lead Guitar)
- Shanti Rayamajhi (Madal)
Albums
editNepathya has released nine albums to date.[10][11][12]
- 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
editNepathya'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
edit
References
edit- ^ "Nepathya to perform in New Zealand". The Himalayan Times. 19 July 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
- ^ "Nepathya's Hami Nepali shines with unifying theme". My Republica. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
- ^ "After Sydney show, Nepathya to travel to New Zealand". Retrieved 6 August 2017.
- ^ "Nepali Times | The Brief » Blog Archive » Amrit at O2 Academy Brixton". www.nepalitimes.com. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
- ^ "Amrit Gurung (Class of 2009)".
- ^ a b Dhakal, Ashish (18 March 2023). "Amrit Gurung, unplugged". nepalitimes.com. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
- ^ Pranaya SJB Rana (23 February 2020). "Amrit Gurung: There are people who've never learned to live".
- ^ Amos, Owen (2 August 2013). "BBC News - Nepalese folk-rock band Nepathya to headline Wembley Arena". Bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
- ^ Amos, Owen (2 August 2013). "Nepalese folk-rock band Nepathya to headline Wembley Arena". BBC News. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
- ^ "» About". Nepathyaband.com. Archived from the original on 24 September 2013. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
- ^ "Nepathya simultaneously releases 'Sirfula' at digital music stores". The Himalayan Times. 29 January 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
- ^ "Nepathya releases new Nepali song 'Ho Rama Rama' on YouTube". The Himalayan Times. 11 September 2016. Retrieved 6 August 2017.