GIVING HIS ALL: Santosh Pariyar performing at the event.
The International Artists Forum (IAF), a Nepalese cultural group, organised a song writing competition and musical programme at the East West restaurant recently. The competition was held as a part of IAF’s mission to promote Nepali singers, lyricists and musicians. Eighty-one participants competed in the initial round of the competition. Of these, 20 were selected for the final round. The Nonresident Nepalese Cultural Family (NNCF), Miteri FM, Sangharsa Band, Arambha Theater Group, The Range Band and Nonresident Youth Cultural Forum (NYCF) are the partners of this venture.
The lyricists who made it to the final round are: Raju Mukhiya, Laxman Bajade, Raj Waiba, Ram Tamang, Antiman Gala, Hari Binod Adhikari, Shakti Chhetri, Dikpal Rai, Bhanu Sunuwar, Ishwor Shahi, Gaurav Ghimire, Bhimal Rai, Rabindra Roshi, Rohit Kumar, Laxman Bajade and Damodar.
The songs they chose mostly deal with patriotism, drawing images of the kaleidoscopic landscapes of the country and the love that they feel for it.
Devika KC, a Nepali folk singer who is in Qatar since 2000 and performed during the programme, said, “The Nepali community is finally understanding the value of artists.” KC has given voice to nearly 100 songs in 15 albums.
The Sangharsa Band also performed its songs. Vocalist Santosh Pariyar, who is living in Qatar since 2002, performed Jahachhan Buddha Ka Ankha. According to Santosh, Sangarsha Band was formed in 2003 and has already performed in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Artist and NRN-NCC Star of 2011 Dinesh Limbu, sang his hit number Kasto Yatra Jindagiko. Indira Shah, NRN-NCC star of 2013, performed her hit from her second studio album Rato Ribbon Testai Ho.
The program was hosted by Bhumi Raj Dahal. Text and photo: Usha Wagle Gautam