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🇳🇵 Nepal /Culture & Society

The music behind the awards

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Nepali women artists face complex challenges balancing artistic refinement with modern industry demands like social media and constant visibility.
  • The definition of a musician is evolving, requiring artists to be performers, marketers, and content creators alongside their musical output.
  • Recognition at awards acknowledges years of discipline, but the industry's transition means artists must now also manage marketing and maintain visibility.

Awards ceremonies often distill years of artistic dedication into simple nominations and trophies. For many women artists in Nepal, however, these accolades represent a more complex reality, acknowledging not just talent but also the invisible labor of practice, emotional translation, and constant adaptation to a changing industry.

They see the nomination. But not the countless hours of riyaaz, learning, patience and hard work.

— Salina BKReflecting on the recognition of her nomination for Best Playback Singer Female.

Classical singer Salina BK, nominated for Best Playback Singer Female, highlights the disconnect between public recognition and the private discipline required. "They see the nomination," she says, "But not the countless hours of riyaaz, learning, patience and hard work." Her sentiment underscores the deep commitment behind artistic excellence, a commitment often unseen by audiences focused on the final performance.

Playback singing, as exemplified by Rachana Rimal, nominated in two categories, demands a different kind of artistry. It requires artists to embody characters, drawing on personal emotions to make fictional feelings believable. Rimal explains, "I stop thinking of it as someone else’s emotion. Her tears and joy become mine." This ability to translate emotion is key to successful playback, shifting the focus from pure vocal skill to profound empathy.

I stop thinking of it as someone else’s emotion. Her tears and joy become mine.

— Rachana RimalDescribing her process for playback singing, where she embodies a character's emotions.

The music industry itself is undergoing a significant transformation. Samriddhi Rai observes the rise of the singer-songwriter, where artists increasingly control their creative output. However, this newfound freedom comes with new pressures. "Writing and coming up with musical creations is an uphill task," Rai notes. "But in today’s world, musicians also have to keep up with the marketing of the song." The modern musician must be a performer, marketer, and entrepreneur, expanding their stage beyond traditional venues to digital platforms and social media.

Writing and coming up with musical creations is an uphill task. But in today’s world, musicians also have to keep up with the marketing of the song.

— Samriddhi RaiDiscussing the dual demands on modern musicians to create and market their work.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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