Thousands of Nepalis gathered at Asian Town in Sanaiya last Friday to witness some of the hottest performances by their favourite artists.
A troupe of artists including singer and model Jyoti Magar came from Kathmandu to amuse the culture-crazy expatriates for a show organised by iBoss Global. Audience came from various parts of the country to attend the show that was titled “Happy New Year 2017”.
The musical programme featured big-name performers such as Nepali singer modern singer Promod Kharel Nepali, comedian Jeetu Nepal, folk singer Pasupati Sharma, dancer and director Shankar BC, singer Sahima Shrestha, actress and dancer Surjani KC, dancer Rashmi Tamang, singer and model Kopila Gurung, and model and director Smriti Timilsina.
The programme started with Nepalis Cultural Family (NCF) performers jumping onto the stage and playing a compelling melodic instrumental, blending folk and modern instruments like madal (percussion), flute, drum and guitar. The NCF front man, Birendra Shrestha, the Non-Resident Nepalis Star 2013, credited Qatar for the success he has found in his music. “It is an unforgettable moment to perform before a crowd of thousands,” he said.
The NCF performers were followed by ten performers from the UNI Dance Group, who performed on a remixed hip hop tune. Dancer Rup Kumar Rai felt “exhilarated to share the stage with renowned artists from Kathmandu.”
Kumar Rai, who performed three songs from his latest studio album, said he felt as if he was performing back home – such was the energy in the crowd.
Dancer, model and director Smriti Timilsina performed two dances, getting many in the audience to tap along.
Popular folk artist Pashupati Sharma rocked the stage with three songs. Performing for the fifth time in Qatar, Sharma said, “Wherever Nepalis go, they don’t forget their folk songs.”
Pramod Kharel performed three songs with a classical touch to them. Performing for the sixth time in Qatar, Kharel got the audience to sing along with him. Also a professor of chemistry in Kathmandu, Kharel has recorded many songs penned by Qatar-based Nepalis.
Stand-up comedian and actor Jeetu Nepal, who is known by the household name of Mundre (guy wearing an earring), kicked off his performance by dancing to a movie song. He then caricatured Nepali politicians, including PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal, former PMs K P Oli and Sher Bahadur Deuba, and journalist Rishi Dhamala, among others.
Dancer, model and director Shankar BC performed two beautifully choreographed dances, supported by Rashmi Tamang. A professional tap artist and choreographer, Shankar has choreographed move schedules for more than 1,600 melodies in the industry.
Kopila Gurung sang three songs and danced on another two.
The major attraction of the programme was Jyoti Thapa Magar. She sang two songs and danced on two more, getting the audience to dance along. Magar is one of the rare female Nepali singers to have travelled extensively throughout the world to perform at musical concerts. Apart from singing and appearing in music videos, Magar has acted in a Gurung-language movie and has played parts in radio and street dramas.
The show ended with singer Sahima Shrestha singing three songs. The programme was hosted by actress Surjini KC.
Shankar BC and Rashmi Tamang performing at the programme.
