E-Kantipur

SEP 21 - Forms of creative expression, whether they be song, music or literature, all stem from the imagination and add to the joys of life. Perhaps this is why the organisers of the second Ncell Nepal Literature Festival thought it apt to begin the festival with a musical performance by Sukarma, one of the country’s most sought after folk-classical outfits.

As Ajit Baral, one of the festival organisers expressed, “ Music spreads colour and life, and adds to the festive mood at any event.” And this is exactly what happened when Sukarma stepped on stage. The band’s performance began with Arambha, a melodic instrumental piece which seemed perfectly tailored for the occasion. A meditative tune Shanti Ra Shakti followed, after which another instrumental piece Jeevan Ra Sangharsha was performed.

The band’s sitarist and front man Dhurbesh Chandra Regmi talked about how their performance at the festival is the culmination of the Ncell Sukarma Yatra. “This is the 10th and final performance of the Yatra,” he said, as he talked about the band’s travels to nine districts around the country. “We are very pleased to be performing in front of such literary giants,” he added.

Pokhara-based poet and novelist Saru Bhakta, who is in Kathmandu for the festival, expressed his delight upon witnessing Sukarma’s performance.  “ Music is an integral part of everyone’s life. It has a direct link with literature, and Sukarma’s performance right now was a refreshing start to the lit fest.”

There was also a session that sought to discuss the various elements of music and melody titled ‘Sur Tal and Sabda’ that brought together filmmakers, critics and lyricists. The event, moderated by Shekhar Kharel, who is not new to the music scene in the country and has managed Sukarma at various musical programmes, talked mostly about how commercialisation in the Nepali music industry has stunted its creative growth in certain respects.

All keynote speakers: filmmaker and critic Shekhar Kharel, lyricist Kiran Kharel and Nagendra Thapa, and singer Navaraj Lamsal, shared their experiences of creating and sharing music. “A rather dissatisfactory trend has developed in the Nepali music industry in recent years,” said Lamsal. “There are many ‘singers’ who bring out albums within extremely short spans of time. Most do not spend the necessary amount of time practicing and honing their skills,” he said, voicing a concern that seemed to be shared by all those present.

Posted on: 2012-09-21 08:27

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