The first convention of National Folk and Duet Song Academy Nepal (NFDSAN) Qatar branch was successfully held in Shalimar Palace Najma recently. Ramesh B G, Vice President of NFDSAN, and Deepak Khadka, Treasurer of NFDSAN, came from Nepal and attended the programme as guests of honour. The convention was attended by around 300 Nepali entrepreneurs, musicians, music lovers and young artistes.
During the convention, popular folk singers Deepak Khadka, Debika KC and Ramesh B G along with Doha-based Nepali artistes entertained the crowd.
The programme kicked off with performances by artistes from Nepali Overseas Forum (NOF) Qatar. The music presented by the NOF artistes was compelling. Their music was a blend of folk and modern instruments like madal (percussion), flute, drum and guitar. Folk singer Sharad Pandey’s performance was especially enjoyed by the audience.
Mohan Shah, another performer who enthralled the audience, said that Qatar had unveiled his musical career as much as the country had provided him an opportunity to support his family financially. He said, “It is an unforgettable moment to perform before Nepali brothers and sisters.”
Nanu Ghale and Rit Kumar Shrestha performed a dohari (duet) to earn appreciation from the audience. Both singers thanked the Nepali community for their warm response and support. Singer Iman Singh Thakuri rendered a folk song. UNI dance crew performed on the tunes of a Nepali film song.
Singer Debika KC presented two songs on the demand of the audience. KC said that she was never tired of singing. “If I get such encouragement from the audience, I can sing for a long time,” KC said. She also performed Teej songs (melodies performed by women during the monsoon festival) and made the audience dance and chant with her. She also performed a dohari with singer Deepak Khadka.
Ramesh B G, Vice President of NFDSAN, also performed at the programme. He presented three songs from his own album. Ramesh’s melodies are distinctive and highlight the Nepali culture and lifestyle.
Known for originality and professionalism, his songs are prolific and carry the true aesthetics of Nepali folk culture.
According to B G, his performance in Qatar was unbelievable and said the programme would help in promoting Nepali music industry. He asked the audience to give their feedback to his performance so that he could improve his singing.
Singer Deepak Khadaka rendered two songs. The crowd cheered his performance the most. He appreciated the audience and praised the Nepali community as culture-loving folks. He said that the Nepali folk music industry was looking for the warm support of Qatar-based Nepali community.
Meanwhile, NFDSAN Qatar unanimously elected its new working committee. The elected office bearers include Krishna Baral, President; Sakti Chettri and Nanu Ghale, the first and second vice presidents; Hari Binod Adhikari, General Secretary; Rit Kumar Shrestha, Secretary; Shiva Ram Dhakal, Treasurer; and Iman Singh Thakuri, Co-Treasurer.
The new members of the working committee include Sharda Pandey, Tilu Sharma Poudel, Surya Bahadur Gayak, Prem Lal Adhikari, Dipendra Sunar, Shyam DC, Iswor Poudel, Iswor Bhandari, Ram Babu Bohara, Krishna Darlami, Krishna Dhakal, Mangal B K, Yubaraj Chatyal, Gugal B K and Krishna Gadal.
DANCE: The artistes dancing on a duet.