KATHMANDU, May 11
Nepal's iconic folk-rock band Nepathya unveiled its latest single Karnali Ka Chaila during a special ceremony in Kathmandu on Saturday, marking a return to the traditional Karnali folk roots after a long hiatus.
In a press release, the band stated that the song draws from the Tappa musical style-prevalent in Salyan and neighboring districts-and reimagines it through lead vocalist and composer Amrit Gurung's distinctive lens. The Tappa melody also forms the basis of the popular classic Kala Kurtai Le Chha Maine Jagirai Khaya from the film Maitighar.
Amrit shared that the song's refrain first emerged while working on Sa Karnali, featured in the album Bhedako Un Jasto. "I first heard it in 2001 from Angad Hamal of Dolpa and its collector Laxmikant Upadhyay," he said. "I recorded an initial version in 2008 but wasn't satisfied, so I shelved it."
The composition evolved over several visits to the Karnali region and was finalized following Amrit's participation in rural music sessions in Salyan. He noted that the song incorporates lines from local dialects, which were challenging to adapt within the structural limitations of Tappa while preserving lyrical integrity.
The music video which is directed by Bhusan Dahal is available via Nepathya's website www.nepathya.com.np, redirecting users to the 'Gateway' platform where it can be purchased using bank credentials or digital wallets. Buyers will receive a link via email, allowing unlimited views.
For those preferring free access, the video will be released to the public one week later.
"We're flying to the U.S. in two days for our concert tour," informed Kiran Krishna Shrestha. "We'll release the video on YouTube during the tour at a suitable time."
