Prevention for Preservation: Folk Music in Nepal | Ratopati

Rabin Gahatraj Sindhupalchowk Folk music in Nepal has a long and rich history. Although the exact date of its origin remains unknown, folk music and songs have long been a reflection of the emotions, values, and daily lives of the Nepali people. From providing comfort through their melodies to expressing love and affection, folk music has created a deep connection within individuals and communities. The soothing sounds of traditional instruments mirror our cultural richness, while the lyrics of folk songs speak to the human experience. Over time, these songs have not only promoted social values but also inspired creativity in those dedicated to preserving and promoting folk traditions.

However, Nepal’s folk music faces many challenges. Interest in folk music is steadily declining, and there is a significant lack of formal education in this field. Furthermore, the culture of giving credit to original creators is rarely practiced, leading to a decline in the respect and recognition they deserve. These factors contribute to a loss in the cultural and social significance of folk music in our society.

Today, folk music is being overshadowed by modern genres like Pop, Rap, Jazz, Rock, Blues, and fusion music. Popular artists and bands such as Sajjan Raj Vaidhya, Samir Shrestha, and Sopna Suman tend to focus on pop music, while many others gravitate towards rap and rock. As a result, contemporary music dominates the Nepali music scene, pushing folk music further into the background. Many traditional instruments and songs are being forgotten due to a lack of awareness and knowledge. Skills required to play these instruments are disappearing in many communities. Meanwhile, educational institutions often focus on Western music rather than Nepal’s rich folk heritage.

Despite these challenges, there have been promising efforts to revive and promote folk music. The formation of folk bands and platforms like Dohori Saanj serve as encouraging examples. Additionally, the rise of social media has made it easier to share and promote folk songs with a broader audience. These platforms offer a modern space for folk artists to showcase their work and gain recognition. Nepali folk music holds various cultural aspects, often reflecting rural life, traditions, and rituals. Genres such as Dohori, Jhyaure, and Asare carry great significance and have been passed down through generations. Yet, Western music continues to dominate Nepalese society. Most institutions, media outlets, and artists tend to promote Western styles, leaving less room for traditional music to thrive.

A concerning trend among today’s youth is the preference for songs that often lack depth and meaning. Many of these songs, which are growing in popularity, contain harsh or negative content that can influence society in undesirable ways. Moreover, many artists produce music without proper knowledge of music theory. While advancements in technology like auto tune have allowed for better sound quality and viral success, the overall musical value of many of these songs remains questionable. Unfortunately, this shift in musical taste is drawing attention away from the richness of Nepal’s folk traditions.Singers like Sujan Chapagain, Kuma Sagar, Prakash Dutraj, Prakash Saput, Deepak Bajracharya, Isbal Sanjyal, etc. are promoting folk songs, music, and instruments. Some of them are promoting traditional styles and some of them are giving modern touch to traditional styles.  That said, several solutions can help preserve and promote folk music in Nepal. For example: Incorporating folk music into music schools and college curriculums to encourage learning and appreciation, Supporting folk artists financially and through government initiatives to sustain their craft, Providing platforms for folk musicians to showcase their work, both online and offline, Balancing commercial music growth by promoting traditional genres alongside modern ones.

In conclusion, while folk music in Nepal is facing numerous challenges, these issues can be addressed through strategic and cultural efforts. By combining education, modern platforms, and support for traditional artists, we can preserve our folk music and ensure it thrives in the digital age. Embracing innovation while staying rooted in our culture is key to keeping this valuable tradition alive for future generations.

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