KATHMANDU: Many women have established themselves in the Nepali music fraternity. These talents have not only entertained music lovers but also have a huge contribution in the field of music in Nepal. However, when it comes to musical bands the women here are yet to make their mark. Despite this, two bands — Dattatraya Cultural Group and Shree Tara — have come up as a ray of hope. These are exclusively all-woman bands. Inspired by the popular instrumental ensemble Kutumba, both bands have developed their own signature pattern of music to enthral their audiences.

A musical statement

More than a decade ago, women in Bhaktapur were barred from playing any type of musical instruments. But with Newari musical classes going on right next-door to her room, Indira Lachhimashyu got attracted to the sound of dhime. She even managed to learn some beats merely by listening to those beats being taught to the students (boys).

Impressed with her devotion towards music, the music class teacher began teaching her to play musical instruments when she was 12. Recollecting those days, Lachhimashyu shared, “Initially I was associated with the Dattatraya Dhime Khala and was the only girl to be involved in the music field in Bhaktapur then,” adding that she used to receive both positive and negative responses about her performance and existence in the band.

She decided to form an all woman band which could set an example in the conservative society.

After training four more women from her locality she formed the Dattatraya Cultural Group, a typical Newari instrumental band, in 1998. Though there were five members during the formation, today it’s a four-woman band — Indira Lachhimashyu (dhime, pachhima and nagara), Reshma Shrestha (dhaa and taa), Kriza Manandhar (dhime and buchhyaa) and Lina Manandhar (nakhin and sichhyaa).

“We feel proud not only for being able to explore our cultural identity and preserve our traditional music, but also to be known as a women’s band,” they shared with similar enthusiasm.

Inclined towards Newari music, the band has its own dress designed out of Haku Patasi (typical Newari black sari with red border).

Seeing the indifference of the new generation towards traditional music, they are also focusing on improvising this genre of music to attract the youngsters. The band informed that they are planning to create a blend of sarad, sitar and violin in their musical pattern.

Lina Manandhar, who is also studying Ethnomusicology in Kathmandu University said, “Our (band members) passion and family support is instrumental in the success of the band,” stressing that they are determined to give national and international recognition to Newari music.

The band, which has already collected ample experience of performing in several concerts are preparing to bring out their first album. For them, Bijay Kayastha, Gautam Shrestha and Kishore Dhukuhhu are the helping hands in their musical venture.

Mixing of individual talents

Unlike Dattatraya, Shree Tara has a different story about their band formation. The credit for the band’s formation goes to singer Ani Choying Dolma who formed the all-woman folk band by bringing together five talented women passionately pursuing music by learning different folk musical instruments on their own. But, today, only four members — Barta Gandarva (sarangi), Sarmina Dangol (flute), Manju Nakarmi (tabala) and Sharada Dangol (percussion) constitute the band that was formed a year ago.

“Individually, many women artistes have established themselves in Nepali music scene but as a band there rarely were any,” said Ani claiming that is why she initiated the formation of the band, which is most probably the first all-woman folk band in Nepal.

“Since they have potential and are devoted to music, I saw a better future for them in music,” said Ani adding that the band would probably perform a concert in Germany this year. “The band is free to carry on with their musical journey on their own, I am just a facilitator,” added Ani.

The members of Shree Tara do not want to be confined as just a folk or instrumental band. According to them, they have their own pattern of music which “incorporates traditional instrumental music with their improvisational touch and fusion”.

“Though folk music is gaining much popularity in recent days, we still have to do much to attract the new generation towards it,” said Gandarva, who is studying Music at Lalit Kala Campus and learning sarangi at Nepal Music Centre with residential scholarship. She emphasised that everyone should go hand-in-hand to promote and preserve this genre of music.

“We are learning our respective instruments individually but are also managing to rehearse together at least three days a week,” shared Sarmina.

Sharada said, “At times, we find it hard to manage time for rehearsals, but we try to manage it as far as possible.”

Meanwhile, Manju shared, “Patience and cooperation among the members is a must to move the band ahead,” adding that these things have helped them stand together as a band. “We are proud to be an all-woman band and also to be a folk instrumental band,” they added.

The band has been performing at different places in intervals of two months.