Krishal K.C, a student from grade 10 “Pyramid”, when asked about his preference about modern or traditional/old Nepali songs says, “I prefer modern Nepali songs due to the current advancement in the musical sector, the rhythm and the music used in the songs have more effects which make them more rhythmic. Similarly, modern Nepali songs are much easier to understand compared to traditional Nepali songs which can only reach a certain type of audience.”

Resting on the laps of the Himalayas, where melodies once reverberated through the valleys as a source of culture and originality. Nepal, the country also known for its unique musical landscape, is now in a place where its older and traditional melodies are fading away in the name of modernization. Modern Nepali songs are nearly becoming a threat to old or traditional Nepali songs that have echoed generations.

This gradual shift in the music preferences also brings challenges for Nepali musicians. Traditional or old music is listened to by a limited audience. As a result, it is facing difficulties in the music market. Technology, particularly autotune, has simplified music production, enabling many artists to gain popularity, especially among younger audiences. However, this trend has disadvantaged singers with exceptional vocal talent in traditional genres. Despite their skill, they struggle to gain identity in the market due to the decreasing interest of youths in classical music styles. Out of 243 middle and secondary school students surveyed at Everest English School, a significant majority of 202 students express their preference for modern Nepali songs. This change in the preference indicates a challenge for the preservation of Nepal’s traditional and old musical heritage.

According to data provided by Spotify, Nepali artists have gained the attention of their local listeners than foreign ones – with four local songs being on the list of most played artists, alongside the likes of Olivia Rodrigo.When it comes to Nepali artists, Nepali pop and Nepali indie have dominated the scene with Sajjan Raj Vaidya being the most played artist in Nepal. Sunita Thegim is an example of a new and emerging artist within the genre who has gained a surge in streams since Spotify’s entrance. Nepali hip-hop is also being streamed a lot, says Spotify, with genre streams increasing by over 60% in Nepal. Spearheaded by VTEN, who has 88% of streams outside of Nepal, another emerging artist has seen more listeners since Spotify launched.

This also concludes that traditional and old Nepali musics are losing their popularity when compared to modern genres.

The decline of traditional melodies is a concerning fact for those who believe music is an important part in cultural preservation. The decline of traditional melodies is not just a loss for Nepali music industry but is also a problem for Nepali identity and originality. Nepal’s rich musical heritage which includes folk songs, traditional instruments and indigenous melodies and languages is at a risk of being shadowed. This may lead to lesser cultural diversity. 

On the other hand, there are still lots of arguments favouring that this shift might not necessarily be a bad thing. From the same survey taken at Everest English School, some argue that music is meant to change and evolve over time and the rise of new styles is a natural part of the process. When Narayan Gopal, Gopal Yonjan, Natijkati, Phatteman Rajbhandari and other legends of Nepali music industry had just begun their musical careers, at the beginning phase probably most of the people at that time didn't like it. Accordingly more than a hundred believe old and traditional lyrics aren't relevant in today’s date which is a reason for Nepal's changing social landscape and it's totally normal.

While the development of the music sector is booming each day, despite the clashing opinions, we should not forget the roots that made this development possible. It is up to the industry and listeners to find the best  way to balance the traditional and modern echoes to ensure that Nepali music remains a reflection of its unique and diverse cultural identity.

References:

• Suresh. (2022, February 25). Spotify's 1 year in Nepal: Listeners stay more loyal to local music - OnlineKhabar English News. OnlineKhabar English News. -year-in-nepal.html

• Sangroula, P. (2023, June 21). Unforgettable icons: Remembering 22 legends of Nepali music - OnlineKhabar English News. OnlineKhabar English News. 

• Rajkarnikar, Y. R. (2021, October 14). Nepal's young musicians are reclaiming their aural traditions. News18.

• Suresh. (2021, October 18). Folk songs are flourishing in Nepal unprecedented, but the urban crowd looks untouched - OnlineKhabar. OnlineKhabar English News. 

• Regmi, V. K. (2019, February 11). How modern music has influenced the taste of Nepali youth. Online Khabar English.