Lyricist Thapa advocates for intellectual rights

By Amar Raj Naharki, Tanahun, April. 1: Basanta Bityasi Thapa is one of the prominent names tirelessly working to establish a distinct identity and existence as a lyricist.

Born in Archale, Myagde-7, Tanahun, Thapa is currently leading the Lyricists Association of Nepal (LAN), the umbrella organisation for songwriters, for his second consecutive term as President.

Active is Nepali songwriting for over three and a half decades.  He has been vocal in advocating for creators' rights, consistently pressuring the state to ensure royalties, copyright protection, and due respect for lyricists.

Thapa’s musical journey began in 1985, driven by a deep-rooted interest in literature and songwriting. 

His first recorded song, ‘Aankhako Parelima’, was released in 1991, featuring music by Bijay Singh Munal and vocals by Sabita Kharel. 

Since then, out of his more than 200 creations, over 100 songs have been recorded by renowned singers. 

His popular hits include ‘Ritto Sadakma Khojchu Timilai’, ‘Aashwasan Nadeu Mero Jindagilai’, ‘Najarko Doshi Bani Kina Jhulkinchau’, and ‘Binti Aalo Mero Ghauma Nunchuk Nacharideu’. 

Renowned artists such as Aananda Karki, Nabin K. Bhattarai, Rajesh Payal Rai, Ram Krishna Dhakal, and Anju Panta have lent their voices to his lyrics. As a literary figure, Thapa has published seven lyrical albums and one book of lyrics to date.

 His notable works include albums like Pratibimba 3-Abiral, Anurodh, Thulnani, Gahana, Mitrata, Dashak, and Kohi Chan Ki.

 His book of lyrics titled 'Khusi Ramne Othbhari' is already in the market, while two new albums, 'Timi Mero Sathi' and 'Maunata', along with a book titled 'Seemapari Ma', are in the final stages of publication.

Balancing his creative pursuits with organisational responsibilities, Thapa has played a significant parental role in bringing lyricists from outside the capital into the mainstream.

Thapa emphasises that a song cannot exist without a lyricist, yet their names often remain in the shadows.

 He maintains that the movement for creators' rights will not rest until royalties and copyright protections are practically ensured.

 In line with this mission, the Lyricists Association of Nepal, in collaboration with the Film Development Board, is organising a workshop titled ‘The Role of Songs in Cinema and the Rights of Lyricists’ in Kathmandu on March 31. 

According to Thapa, the primary objective of the programme is to end the trend where lyricists are sidelined despite their crucial contribution to the success of films.