Singer Shova prefers meaningful songs

Kathmandu, June 17: Shova Pandey, singer as well as student of classical music, prioritises songs that are rich in emotion and meaningful messages. “Art is a representation of a nation’s identity, so our songs must be meaningful,” she said.

She never let her passion for singing die, grabbing every chance that came her way during her school and college days. As a result, she is now recognised as a refined voice in the modern Nepali music.

Chiso chiso hawa khadai mitho maya laula hai

Kalinchok ghumera Jiri bazaar ghumna jaula hai

(We will share sweet love in the cold breeze,

After  Kalinchok, will  wander around Jiri Bazaar!)

The above lines of a song showcase the depth of her vocal artistry, in the words by Prema Sangam with music by Ramkrishna Thapa. Similarly, her duet with Pramod Kharel in the pop-flavoured 'Dalle Khursani' may not stand out lyrically, but captivates with its melody and vocal delivery. 

Born in Devdaha, Rupandehi, to Ganesh Pandey and Shanta Pandey, Shova credits her friends’ affection and her mentors’ guidance as blessings in her musical journey. “For any creation to be born, along with strong willpower, an inspiring environment is essential,” she added.

Her path in music opened through family encouragement, relentless effort, and unwavering determination. Her work as a music programme producer at Radio Devdaha and Nepal FM Network further honed her singing skills. “The joy listening to a song brings is incomparable,” said Shova.

To strengthen her artistry, she earned both Bachelor's and Master’s degrees in music from Tribhuvan University, and is currently pursuing an MPhil in the same. In addition, her academic contributions include research-based articles on music published in magazines such as 'Peer'Review Journal, 'Aalekh', and 'Sulekh'.

In 2014, she made her debut with the song 'Yasto Manchhe Fela Paros' from the album 'Bimba 2'. It was well received by listeners and paved the way for her future in music. 

In 2016, Bindhyabasini Music Pvt. Ltd. released a solo album 'Shanka' with lyrics by Krishnahari Baral, music by Gaire Suresh, and vocals by Shova Pandey. 

Songs like 'Manahi Chha', 'Mero Charitra Ma Shanka Garne Timi Ko', and 'Man Mandaina' further enabled her musical career. Later, in 2020, she released another album 'Ghayal' from Music Nepal, again with lyrics by Baral and her own vocals. The album featured music by Gaire Suresh, Mahesh Khadka, Hari Lamsal, Taraprakash Limbu, and NB Janakpuri. Songs such as 'Ghayal Bhae Ma Ta', 'Malai Manchhau Bhane', 'Ma Ta Maya Garna Thale', and 'Pyaro Nepal' received warm appreciation from audiences.

Now based in Kathmandu, Shova has recorded over 60 songs. Her music blends modern-folk, and folk-modern styles. Themes like love, patriotism, union and separation, devotion, and culture are central to her work. One of her milestone songs in film was 'Sabko Kahani Ustai Ustai Nahune Rahechha' from the movie 'Premleela'.

She sang duets with several renowned singers such as Kiran Pradhan, Anand Karki, Swarupraj Acharya, Pramod Kharel, Deepak Limbu, Jagdish Samal, Nishan Bhattarai, Bishnu Adhikari, NB Janakpuri, and Abhas Labh. Some of her most popular songs include Yasto Manche Phela Paros, Taj Mahal, Kodo Phaldaina, Mehendi, Manahi Chha, Mero Charitra Ma Shanka Garne Timi Ko?, Ghayal Bhae Ma Ta, Sarara Sarara, Nasodha Mero Yo, Ae Man Bhan Malai, Dalle Khursani, Hardin Pooja Garchhu Ma, Aae Ma Ta Sangini, and Pyaro Nepal.

In her decade-long musical journey, she has been honoured and recognised by organisations such as Nepal Women’s Association, Dudhauli FM, Devdaha Adarsha Multiple Campus, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), and the Himalayan International Award.

Her song 'Nasodha Mero Yo Geet' won her the Jury Award in the Folk-Modern category at the 5th Genius Music Awards in 2080 BS. Similarly, 'Hardin Pooja Garchhu Ma' earned her the Best Female Singer Award at the 11th Chhaya Chhabi Teej Music Awards in 2081 BS. She also won the Best Modern Singer at the 5th Epic Nepal Music Awards for the song 'Ae Man Bhan Malai', and the Best Folk/Pop Vocal Performance at the 8th NIM Awards in 2081 B.S. for 'Dalle Khursani'. "I am one of the fortunate singers whose works are recognised in time," she said.