Kathmandu, December 21:

Legendary singer Koili Devi Mathema, the first lady lyricist and composer in the Nepali music industry, passed away this morning. She was 78.

She passed away at around 11:00 am at her residence at Ghattekulo. She was suffering from heart diseases for the past six years. Born in Makawanpur in 1930, Mathema had begun her music career from Radio Nepal. Sansarko jhamela lagdacha kya yo mela was her debut song recorded in 1950. She has given voice to over 4,000 songs, including modern and patriotic songs and albums like Sewa and Samarpan.

She was awarded with Radio Nepal’s Best Musician Award, Subha Rayabhisek Padak, Gorkha Dakshin Bahu V, Chinnalata Music Award, among other awards. Mathema is also remembered for her lyrics and compositions. She has composed popular songs like Jahi ra juhi phul mala gansi duwaile launla and Jindagi bhari nachuttine gari saino jodaunla. Her last rites were performed at Pashupati Aryaghat today.