Arthur Gunn’s Homecoming Tour 

By Mannu Shahi

Dinesh Pokharel, better known by his stage name Arthur Gunn, is a US-based singer-songwriter who was born and raised in Kathmandu. Being the first person from his family lineage to take up music professionally, the singer was exposed to the musical realm from a relatively young age as both his parents were very fond of this form of art.

Inspired by artists like John Martyn, Nick Drake, and Bob Dylan, Pokharel got his first guitar as a gift from his mother during his pre-teens and he started jamming around with friends. As he relocated to the US in 2014 for higher education, Pokharel continued his musical exploration and released his debut eight-track album ‘Grahan’ four years later. 

In 2019, he returned back home to play an album launch concert for his second album ‘Khoj’ at Beers n’ Cheers, Jhamsikhel. Yet the most pivotal moment of his career awaited him back in the US where, just a year later, the singer participated in the 18th season of American Idol and ended up as the 1st runner-up for that edition.

The aftermath of the achievement changed his life as the songster escalated from a normal independent musician to an overnight celebrated sensation who won the hearts of millions of Nepalis spread all across the world.

It wasn’t as grand as when Prashant Tamang won the Indian Idol Season 3 back in the day and people took to the streets to unite for a victory march, mostly because of the prevalent pandemic at that moment, but every single person coming across the news was just as proud and excited for Gunn’s achievements. 

The singer’s vocal aptitude, musical repertoire, and song choices lured in a variety of audiences,s, and his older original material showcased his passion and years of dedication via his mature songwriting which further solidified his stance as a creative visionary amidst his new rapidly growing fan-base. He released his third set of tunes as a seven-track EP tagged ‘Self-title’ consisting of reggae, RnB, and modern pop influences in August 2020.  

This was followed by multiple singles Gunn dropped from late 2020 to mid-2021 such as “Jalai Mai”, “These Walls”, “Caroline”, “To Be Mine” and “Save Me Now”. He also republished his second album ‘Khoj’ and released official videos for singles like “Kaagbeni” and “Nano Ghar” and live performance videos of other tunes in between. 

And this month Dibesh Pokharel is returning back to Nepal for a series of gigs across the country. Starting out next Saturday, August 20, 2022, the American Idol finalist will rivet his eager listeners with his serene music at Club Platinum, Durbarmarg. 

The tickets are available for online purchase at kgarira.com/events and are categorized into three types for this show: the cheapest for the students with valid ID cards at Rs. 1500, the moderate for the normal audience at Rs. 2500, and the high-end for VIPs at Rs. 3500. 

Followed by another performance at Lime & Lemon Lounge Café, Chitwan on 24th August; Rolling Stones Rock Bar, Pokhara on 26th August; Lord, Butwal on 31st August; acoustic show at Calm, Tangal on 3rd September; Mokshya, Birtamode on 9th September; Vintage Café, Dharan on 10th September; concluding at Sasa Twa:, Kirtipur on 16th September. So definitely be there to support our global hero in the most convenient venue 

for you.