KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 24
The Paleti musical series, a monthly event hosted at Nepalaya's R-Sala on the last Friday of every English month, will feature an acclaimed musical family from Darjeeling this time.
Issuing a press statement today, Nepalaya announced that for this month's event, composer Chandan Lomjel has created melodies for the songs of Darjeeling's celebrated lyricist Norden Rumba. These compositions will be performed by renowned vocalists Daisy Baraili and Bimochana Lomjel.
The event will serve as a confluence of generations within a single musical family. Paleti has been a platform for intimate musical gatherings for the past 20 years.
Norden Rumba is a distinguished name in Darjeeling's literary scene. His creations have significantly enriched Nepali literature. Born in Darjeeling in 1949, Rumba lived only until the age of 40, but his literary and musical legacy continues to resonate within the Nepali art scene, reads the statement.
Several of his compositions have been immortalized through timeless melodies. The song "Mera Sabai Raat Ab, Mataru Bhae", composed by Chandan Lomjel and sung by the legendary Narayan Gopal, features Rumba's lyrics. Likewise, "Phoollai Sodhe Kaha Gayau Kata Gayau Bhamara", composed by Karma Yonjan and sung by Aruna Lama, and "Gaine Dailai Sunkesari Ko Kesh Sodhnai Bhule", composed by Badri-Durga Kharel, are among his celebrated works. The song "Shubhakamana Khali Khali Dinelai Dani Bhanera Jadai Chhu", sung by Dawa Gyalmo, also showcases his lyrical genius.
More recently, "Kati Bagyo Kati Bagyo Pulmuni Pani Resham", composed by Chandan Lomjel and sung by Daisy Baraili, and "Kasailai Sodhe Kun Ho Timro Gaun", performed by Nepal's iconic folk-rock band Nepathya, further underscore the enduring influence of Rumba's poetry.
According to the statement, Chandan Lomjel, who first performed at Paleti in 2006, remarked, "The way Paleti has preserved the works of legendary artists inspired me to participate once again. The opportunity to present Norden Rumba's creations on this platform excites me even more." As he expressed his enthusiasm, the khukuri emblem on his black topi gleamed under the lights.
Similarly, Daisy Baraili, who also made her Paleti debut in 2006, reflected, "At that time, I was unfamiliar with the essence of Paleti. But after my first performance, I felt a strong connection to the event and kept returning. Though I had planned to participate post-COVID, circumstances didn't permit it. Now that I'm finally here, it feels like a dream." She added, "Back then, Bimochana was just a child. Look at her now-she's here as a performer alongside me."
Recalling her first-ever stage performance, Bimochana Lomjel said, "It was purely by chance that I got to sing at Paleti back then. Perhaps that moment shaped my journey in music. Standing on the same stage today fills me with immense joy. This is our first time performing together as a family in such an extensive concert," as stated in the release.
The Paleti concert will take place on February 28 (Friday) and March 1 (Saturday) at Nepalaya's R-Sala in Kalikasthan. Tickets can be purchased online at www.paleti.com.np, the statement concludes.
