By Our Correspondent
Ilam, Oct. 2: Popular singer Kuber Rai recently appeared in a programme organised by the Birtamode-based Alankar Band. He made his appearance in music show after a long time.
The talented singer has been busy been composing music while living as a farmer in his home village in Ilam.
Singer Rai, who did not participate in any programme after the COVID- 19 pandemic, had given his performance from his house in Bouddhadham of Suryodaya Municipality of Ilam by singing six songs.
Rai said that the COVID-19 lockdown has left people in a state of depression.

Rai, who enjoys live music with traditional musical instruments, further added that the trend of singing songs on the track has put the traditional musical instrument under sahdow.
He started the programme by singing Ghar Nahunele Desh Kasari Dekchha, which was written by Mijas Tembe. Nases Nati has composed its music.
He continued the show by singing “Bijhayo Mayale”, “Aljhiyeki Patpatma”, “Mero Mirtyu Kehi Bhaye Shabda Matra”, “Mayale Mulbato Bhulechha Naurangi Phoolbaari Dekhera”, “Tadha Bhaye K Bho Mayalu Samjhana Aalai Chha”.

Alankar, one of the pioneer bands in eastern Nepal which organised the programme, had already performed with Deep Shrestha, Pramod Kharel and others. They also participated in Narayan Gopal Smriti Sanjh.
Bhupendra Rai, a member of the band, said that the band was formed at a time when there was a problem of calling musicians from Mirik and Darjeeling areas of India to play musical instruments in eastern Nepal.
Kuber Rai had brought his first album “Antaral” to the market in 1981 after passing the audition from Radio Nepal. He has so far given voice to more than 250 songs. Only 10 of his songs have been released with a music video.

He had returned to Ilam from Kathmandu leaving the job of a music teacher in different schools of Kathmandu. Since then, he has been engaging in farming and music together.
“I returned to the village as I love singing in quieter places. Kathmandu is not a best destination for the purpose,” said Rai. He said that other reasons to stay in his village were his health, family obligations and subsistence farming.

Rai has earlier performed in many programmes abroad including the UK, Australia, Korea, Hong Kong and the UAE.
“Compared to earlier days, development of technology has facilitated the music developments to reach the village now. We need to utilise it properly,” said Rai.