90s popular bands performing in Pokhara today

By Santosh Subedi,Kaski, Feb. 8: A musical event titled ‘Back to the 90s’ is all set to take place in Pokhara on Saturday.

The event is aimed at reviving the city’s rich musical heritage. 

Organised by the Pokhara Musical Artists Association Nepal in collaboration with the Gandaki Academy of Fine Arts, the event will be held at the Pokhara Exhibition Centre, New Bazaar, on Saturday from 5 pm to 10 pm.

 The organisers have confirmed that all preparations are complete.

Vocalists from different bands have expressed their enthusiasm, stating that the programme will be a milestone in restoring Pokhara’s reputation as the ‘band capital’ of the 1990s.

Bivek Shrestha of Kandara Band said that the 1990s were a golden era for bands, and this event could serve as a stepping stone to reliving that era. 

He added that artists who emerged during that time are still actively contributing to the music industry. Kandara band will perform some of their iconic hits, including ‘Tagaroma Rumal Rakhi’,  ‘Timi Pari’,  and ‘Lekaki He Maya’. 

Karna Das from the Madhyanha Band said that he has continuously tried to contribute to the nation and society through music.

 “We may have been lost in between, but we never abandoned our passion for music. We are still dedicated to it,’ he added.

 Madhyanha band will perform some of their most celebrated songs, such as ‘Jindagiko Ke Bharosa’ and ‘Man Manai Man Parai Sakechhu’.

Bhaskar Dhoj Shrestha from Dmarcha Band reaffirmed their commitment to reviving Pokhara’s band culture. 

“We dedicated ourselves to music in the past, and we are still doing so today. This programme is a significant step in bringing back that legacy,” he said.

 Dmarcha is set to perform  the songs such as ‘Jhyamma Jhyamma’, ‘Kailasai Ma’,  ‘Jhyammai Chautari’ and ‘Tara Khasyauli’.

Harkaraj Gurung  and Nabin Gurung from Lekali Band expressed their eagerness to perform. 

“We are fully prepared, and we hope the audience in Pokhara is just as excited to hear us,” they said. Lekali will perform ‘Yo Mutuma’,  ‘Sapani Ma’,  ‘Kaha Bata’, and ‘Pahilo Najar’.

Prakash Rana from Bro-Sis Band admitted that the absence of some band members had affected new musical creations but said that he had never stopped making music.

 “This event will be a source of motivation and will encourage us to work on new compositions,” he said. Bro-Sis band will perform ‘China Company’ and ‘Jadu Timro Najarle’. 

Shanta Bajracharya from Deurali Band believes that the event will also attract a new generation to Nepali band music.

 “If we move forward, the younger generation will follow. This programme will be a milestone in that direction,” he expressed. Deurali will perform ‘Dhunge Sau Ko Mela,  ‘Lukichori’, and ‘Sarara Hawa’.

Shyamsung Tamang from Vagabond Band emphasised that reviving the musical legacy of Pokhara is no easy feat. However, he expressed confidence that the event would succeed in revitalising the local band scene. Vagabond will perform songs like ‘Yo Jindagani’ and ‘Ukali Chadi’.

A total of seven bands that gained national and international recognition during the 1990s will be performing in the musical event. 

 Programme coordinator and member secretary of the Gandaki Academy of Fine Arts, Man Kumar Shrestha, said that the event aims to restore Pokhara’s reputation as the ‘band capital’ of the 1990s.