Jonisha Poudel, a classical vocalist from Pokhara, has practised and performed classical music on the stages of Kalanidhi Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, Kirateshwar Sangeetashram, Yalamaya Classics, and the Rastriya Sanskritik Sansthan. One of the performers at the upcoming Surya Nepal Jazzmandu 2024, Poudel is known for her connection with the khayal genre of music.

She has ventured into light music too, achieving success with the song Figure Coca-Cola; is the lead vocalist for the musical band Vastu; and

has collaborated with lyricist Rajendra Thapa and composers Deepak Jangam and Alok Shree.

In an interview with The Himalayan Times, Poudel shares about her musical connections and the upcoming jazz festival.

Surya Nepal Jazzmandu is going be held from October 24-30 in various venues around the Valley.

Connection with khayal genre of music

My connection to khayal is deeply rooted in the musical environment I was exposed to from a young age. Growing up, I was particularly influenced by Sai bhajans, which often featured raaga-based compositions. This early introduction sparked my curiosity, and during my college years, I delved deeper into classical singing, with a special focus on the khayal genre.

After years of dedicated vocal training and reflection, I discovered performing raagas brings me a profound sense of peace and an almost eternal bliss. This experience feels intertwined with the spiritual and emotional insights of the ancient Vedas, particularly the Sama Veda, which underscores the sacredness of music. Choosing khayal as my primary genre felt instinctive, as it allows me to express deep emotions while remaining connected to the rich tradition of Indian classical music.

Why did you choose to perform at Suya Nepal Jazzmandu 2024?

I have been performing at Jazzmandu since 2021, and each year has been a rewarding experience. The festival offers a unique opportunity to connect with the international music community and collaborate with artistes from diverse genres. Through these interactions, I have grown as an artiste, discovering more about my potential and expanding my musical understanding beyond my own genre.

Every time I take the stage at Jazzmandu, I aim to surprise the audience. My goal is to share the power and depth of ancient classical singing in a way that resonates with them, blending it with other styles to create something truly memorable. Audiences can expect a performance that not only honours tradition but also embraces new musical conversations.

How does your music and performance relate to the jazz festival?

My music and performance at Jazzmandu create a unique dialogue between ancient classical traditions and modern, global music. Although khayal and jazz come from different musical worlds, they share common ground in improvisation, emotional depth, and the freedom of expression. Jazz festivals, like Jazzmandu, celebrate this kind of spontaneity and innovation, which aligns with the improvisational nature of khayal, where each performance can unfold in unexpected and personal ways.

By blending the intricate emotional layers of classical Indian raagas with the vibrant energy of jazz, my performances bridge the gap between these genres. This creates a new experience for audiences, allowing them to appreciate the timeless power of khayal while exploring how it resonates within a contemporary, cross-cultural setting.

Your experiences in the previous Surya Nepal Jazzmandu festivals.

It has been transformative. Each year has brought new opportunities to connect with talented musicians from around the world and immerse myself in a rich tapestry of sounds and styles. The collaborative atmosphere of the festival has allowed me to push my creative boundaries, blending my classical roots in khayal with jazz and other global genres. This fusion has deepened my understanding of music as a universal language and helped me grow as an artiste.

Performing at Jazzmandu has also been a journey of self-discovery. Stepping outside the comfort zone of my primary genre, I've explored different rhythms, scales, and improvisational techniques. Every year, I leave the festival with a sense of artistic evolution, feeling more in tune with my potential and more excited to experiment with new musical ideas. The warmth and appreciation from diverse audiences have also been deeply encouraging, motivating me to keep surprising them with the emotional depth and spiritual power of classical Indian singing.

Is there a need for music festivals like Surya Nepal Jazzmandu in the country?

Yes, music festivals like Jazzmandu are vital for a country's cultural and artistic landscape. Festivals like these not only showcase diverse musical traditions but also foster collaboration and creativity. In a country with rich cultural heritage, Jazzmandu offers a platform for artistes to experiment, blend genres, and bring new perspectives to their music, all while connecting with a global audience.

As an artiste, participating in Jazzmandu has broadened my horizons. It has allowed me to explore how khayal can interact with jazz and other forms of music, creating something unique and innovative. These festivals also help break down barriers between traditional and contemporary music, encouraging audiences to appreciate both. They build a sense of community among musicians from different backgrounds, providing a space where we can learn from each other and grow together.

In a broader sense, festivals like Jazzmandu enrich the cultural dialogue in the country, exposing local audiences to global sounds and ideas while promoting the value of preserving and evolving traditional music.

They inspire the next generation of musicians and keep the creative spirit alive, which is essential for the growth of any art form.