Entertainment

Nepathya performs for audiences seeking emotional Nepali identity at Ohio gig

By THT Online

Nepathya band members performing in Columbus, Ohio. Photo: Dipit Raz/Nepalaya

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 19

Following the success of two concerts in the western United States, Nepathya's third performance, held in Columbus, Ohio, was met with equal enthusiasm and acclaim.

In a statement, Nepathya highlighted that Columbus, named after the illustrious 15th-century explorer Christopher Columbus, has witnessed significant growth in its Asian and South American immigrant populations over the past two and a half decades-a notable trend in the city's 200-year history.

As part of the resettlement program, a substantial number of Nepali-speaking Bhutanese refugees have been relocated to the United States, with nearly one-third of them now residing in Ohio. The state also boasts a significant Nepali community.

According to local observations, the increasing immigrant population has sparked a renewed desire to reconnect with their cultural roots.

The concert commenced promptly at 8:00 p.m., with an eagerly anticipated opening performance of 'Koshi Ko Pani Yo Jindagani.' The evening unfolded with a selection of Nepathya's timeless hits, interspersed with new tracks such as 'Shirphool Shiraima,' 'Nainital,' and 'Pachasai Barsama.' The event reached its zenith with a final set that included 'Resham,' 'Taal Ko Pani,' and 'Rato Ra Chandra Surya,' leaving the audience in awe, as noted in the statement.

During the concert, Amrit Gurung, the lead vocalist, made an emotional appeal: 'Some of our Nepali friends in America are not teaching their children the Nepali language. Please, teach your children Nepali, even if only to connect them with their roots and enable them to communicate with their grandparents.'

Manoj Shivakoti shared a group photo on Facebook, proudly holding the Nepali flag, and commented, 'It was an unforgettable evening-what a powerful performance.'

Similarly, Sai McKenzie, an event management professional, reflected, 'I've attended and organized countless events, but the energy exchanged between the artists and the audience here was extraordinary. The energy and vibes were simply amazing.' As she departed, she remarked, 'I often see more stress than smiles on the faces of many living in America, but this performance brought joy to their hearts and smiles to their faces,' according to the statement.

Throughout the concert, Amrit Gurung was supported by Dhruva Lama on drums, Subin Shakya on bass guitar, Niraj Gurung on guitar, Shanti Rayamajhi on the madal, and Dineshraj Regmi on keyboard.

With the successful completion of the first three concerts of their U.S. tour, Nepathya is now set to head to Texas for their fourth performance. The band is scheduled to perform in Dallas, the most populous city in the state, marking their return after six years.

This time, the band will take the stage at the 'Toyota Music Factory,' a grand and expansive venue where they are committed to delivering an unforgettable evening for the Texas audience on August 24, as stated.

For the majority of their U.S. concerts, arrangements have been made for audiences to purchase tickets directly online. Seats can be reserved through the band's official website, www.nepathya.com.np, according to the statement.