‘Himalaya Lokstar inspired many to love original music’

May 2, 2023 | 12:19:10

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Kathmandu. The grand finale of Himalaya Lokstar, a television reality show based on folk music, has concluded this week. This television program that lasted for four months has given birth to a new generation of artists in folk music.

In this interesting competition from thousands to the last 6 people, one by one Tanneri folk singers presented their songs. The role of some celebrity is important to enhance their presentation and make the program interesting. Narahari Premi is one of them, who played a role in making the folk star shine through the role of music director. Edited part of online journalist Bishnu Sharma’s conversation with Narahari Premi, who is also a composer and singer, about the success of Lokstar, the experience of working and various aspects of folk singing:

How was Lokstar’s experience as a music director for you?

It was kind of fun. Along with the fun, there were also some challenges. The only organic show of Nepal that can be made dignified, how to cover the geography and class culture connected to the folk music field and how to cover the talent from all places was a challenge in itself. In this sense, the program was completed well, it was pleasant. Being a coach myself, the program was goodWhat were the challenges?

What experience did this season teach?

I think we can do many times better for the next season. In terms of work, sometimes there is a thought to include everyone, but there is a situation where everyone cannot be included. For example, it is easy to show the culture of the East when there are artists from the East. We have also sung Eastern culture through Western artists. It is believed that cultural harmony also expands.

What kind of contribution do you think such a reality show can make to the folk music of Nepal?

Also, reality shows work to expose and promote hidden talent and culture. Folk songs are music that is directly connected by representing all our parts, races, sects and classes. The upliftment of folk music works to promote our traditions, customs and culture, which carry social dignity. I think that it plays the role of a medium to preserve the Nepali identity in the world and make it known.

In such a program, we are also conducting research. We included in it folk songs that we had started to forget. Real folk songs are very less recorded, I experienced this recently. I was also the music coach in the previous season and remained in it. The experience of both seasons made me realize this. The artist has become obsessed with repetition. I started only in terms of vertical professionalism. Genuine folk songs connected with themes of cultural importance are less recorded.

During this program, we tried to protect, promote and record the songs that we researched and searched for. As much mainstream music as there is, we need to preserve and promote the original folk music to preserve and promote those songs. I think this program is appropriate for this.

How successful was Lokstar in this sense?

Of course, because of this, many have become fascinated with folk music. During the program, we also met original and local artists that we did not think about. He called us to that place. This time we didn’t get to go much. Sitting here, we contacted them and worked to include them in Lokstar.

It was certainly very meaningful and successful. Actors, singers, musicians, producers of the movie were also invited as guest judges by arranging references. Mixing folk style movie songs, folk style pop songs. They also said that folk music is the originality of Nepal. If you remove folk from Nepali music, what will be the originality? There is no basis for what we identify as Nepali. To protect mainstream music as a whole, we need to protect folk music. Himalaya Lokstar was successful for this.

How did you choose the song according to the round?

We did each round, as Gandharva did the round. Old folk songs, movies, pop style folk songs were round. Diversity should also be seen in singers. Singers should and should be able to sing all kinds of songs. We also improved it. The more they went, the more they improved and tried to make it better. For this we also did different rounds. In some we did a duet, in some we made four people sing. We also did a double round. Folk repetition is an important branch of folk music. They should also be capable of folk repetition because this is our identity, so we held this round as well. Gandharva is our special tradition. Gandharva is considered the leader of music.

Panchebaja also remained. When you hear Panchebaja, you think that it is only for singing at weddings. Panchechaja has such a huge existence and importance, the song of Panchebaja is sung in every corner of the country. Its style is different. It is understood that dancing is done only in marriage. Not so. Panchebaja is used in Eastern songs, Chandi dance. Panchebaja is also used in Kanthe style songs, it happened in the West. On the other hand, in the Far West, Panchebaja is mixed in songs like Hudkyoli and sung in a separate way. That is why Panchebaja is sung in every way. We also chose the selection of songs as relevant according to the round