Future of Rap Music in Nepal

Developed by inner-city African Americans back in 1970; hip hop music or also known by the name of rap music took almost a decade to get into American main stream world. By 1990, there had been notable artists be that Big Daddy Kane, or Kool G Rap. Basically, Keith Cowboy, rapper with Grandmaster Flash and Furious Five is credited to the creation. And then by 1990s, it turned down to 'gangsta' rap. DJs started getting job.

By the time, Eminem or Black Eyed Peas started gaining attention, Nepal had been influenced through this Rap music culture too. Nepalese youngsters had been attracted to this new musical culture. Be it baggy jeans, or the locket - youths fashion in 2000s era clearly reflected how it was influenced. Apart from Kathmandu; Dharan and Pokhara had been under it. Although, rap had been initially used to express personal feelings; that aggression was not realized in Nepal during early time. It was rather something like singing out too quick. Girish and Pranil's album - Meaningless rap could not gain any attention; unless they came up with the album 'Back Again'. That song 'Ma Yesto Chu' was noticed with such a huge attention; and at the same time, Nirnaya Da NSK's songs started gaining priority. Although there had been other bands - COD or Mad Zone; no one could ever beat those Girish and Pranil or Nirnaya Da' NSK. At the time when Nepalese audiences were listening to rap music, India had not even thought or planned about Rap music. It was only after getting into Nepal; rap music was preferred by Bollywood industry.

Nepsydaz’s song made a huge revolution and then. However, when Girish had to fly abroad; that gave rise of Adriya and Sudhin Pokharel (DA69). Disco Jockeys (DJs) started gaining hype; and their remixes tried to blend the taste. However, since rap had its own taste; there had been separate craze of rap music. Unity and other artists came into rise.  

However, with the trend; the lyrics started getting worse. Meaningless lyrics started getting into existence. As a result, people got frustrated from Nepali music, unless Laure and Anil Adhikari also known as Yama Buddha came into existence and then. They re introduced rap world in Nepal taking a generation within their control. Girish came back to Nepal, and tried different experimental raps – be that through anger representation or social songs like ‘Be What You Want To Be’; but he could not gain the popularity like he did.

Nawaz Ansari, must have had tough time too. Else, when Sudhin Pokharel had to leave Nepal; it was obvious for Nawaz to get out for good career leaving the question – where lies rap music future in Nepal?

But, those rap battles are no longer limited to road performance; they are now appreciated in youtube. Those rap singers are no longer limited beyond media; as Nepali movies have been ensuring rap numbers in their song list too. So, certainly, there can be seen a clear rap future in Nepalese musical world. And since, Eminem’s song is still appreciated; it can be said that rap song is not going to die sooner.

In this era, where music can be heard and recorded from throughout the world; it is not necessary that Nawaz has to be in Nepal. He can obviously compose and record from United States itself. And, rather than being too experimental; he needs to catch the trend that is going on. There is youtube to promote something good always. Didn't Bartika Eam Rai made every hype staying in United States itself?

Meanwhile, there are different side that has to be considered.  First of all lyrics is what rap songs basically concerns about. It has to be meaningful. It has to touch people. Okay, not just social song, it could be filled up with frustration and anger filled lyrics too. But, like Eminem had 'mocking bird', or Black Eyed Peas had 'Where is the love' lyrics; the lyrics need to be meaningful and sensible. Rap songs are not just limited to singing fast and quick; but also about some meaningful lyrics which would actually touch. And the musical tone should be changed. Why can someone easily recognize that’s Laure singing? Or that’s Girish singing? The tone and musical blend has to be modified too.

Rap and hiphop has new taste. It’s such a nice way to express – be it expressing political stuffs, nothing came as such Malai vote deu in political scene. It has to be treated in same way. Obviously, rap music has potential and the life depends upon artists skill.

Published in The Rising Nepal of 19-1-2018