By Mannu Shahi
Kathmandu, Dec. 20: Nepathya is one of the most iconic and prominent musical group that has deeply rooted its dominance in the Nepali music industry, gaining consistent admiration and social recognition. Formed in 1990 by Deepak Rana (now a Chopper pilot), Bhim Poon (now settled in Hong Kong) and Amrit Gurung, for the past 29 years this musical group has continuously been noted as a trendsetter, marking their distinct flavors that include experimentation with elements extracted from various ethnicities residing in our culturally rich and diverse country.
Pioneering the folk revival movement that is taking the contemporary Nepali music industry by storm, Nepathya was blending folk melodies with pop and rock flavors, way long before these inspirations were considered hip. However, their ever changing line-up has now led their disappointed fans to acknowledge Nepathaya as a solo project of Amrit Gurung rather than a band, as even major contributors like Hari Maharjan and Nikil Tuladhar, musicians employed in their signature tunes like Resham, Taal Ko Pani and Lampati Surati were replaced from the group.
With 9 albums to their credit, from their 1991 self-titled debut, followed by Himal Chuchure (1993), Min Pachas Ma (1995) that featured their massive hit Jomsom Bazar Ma, Shringar (1997), Resham (2001), Bhedako Oon Jasto (2003), Ghatana (2005), Mero Desh (2009) and Aina Jhyal (2010) the group has maintained consistency and relevancy with these entries in the mainstream market. The last known line-up of this group was Amrit Gurung on vocals, Dhruba Lama on drums, Suraj Kumar Thapa on keys, violin and back vocals, Subin Shakya on bass, Niraj Gurung on guitars and Shanti Bahadur Rayamajhi on percussion.
And this legendary act released a revised official lyrics video of their old track, ‘Aaijo Nidari’ from the Bhedako Oon Jasto album on 11th December, last Friday. The track itself is a re-arrangement of a 50 year old tune written, composed and performed by Kalanath Adhikari, a lullaby in plea for sleep to come soon. This release was in fact a follow up to another revived tune ‘Sano Kura’ from the same album, the official lyrics video for which was published nearly three weeks prior on 26th November. Both the videos just after weeks of release have already crossed 100k views and are receiving much love and support by the groups’ loyal followings.