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Nepal is well-known worldwide for its diverse range of ethnic groups, languages, and religions, and for its rich cultural and historical heritage, which attracts a considerable number of international tourists annually. Nepal also hosts other festivities besides these cultural events. Music festivals are an important part of the culture and energize the country both nationally and internationally. You may not be aware, but there are several music festivals in Nepal that showcase various musical roots, genres, and musicians from different backgrounds. Additionally, these festivals bring together artists, musicians and music lovers from different corners of the world in one place.
Nepal Music Festival
The Nepal Music Festival used to be the handiest festival in Nepal that was run entirely by volunteers who had been obsessed with music. The music event that brought together music lovers from all over Nepal, and it was organized and supervised by these volunteers. However, the festival has not been held since 2017. It used to feature performances by artists from distinctive genres and countries, as well as an area for poetry. It was a beloved festival for music admirers in Nepal, who deeply miss it.
Echoes in the Valley
Echoes in the Valley Music Festival" was started in 2017 to present various traditional, indigenous, and folk music not only from Nepal but also from different parts of the country. This festival is unique because it is the only international event in Nepal that celebrates folk music and the cultures and heritages that are associated with it.
This festival is not just a one-time event, but a movement that supports Nepali artists and music throughout the year. The organizers recognize that the music ecosystem is delicate yet powerful, and they focus on strengthening it through various means such as resources, education, and support for musicians and other industry experts. This is not just about organizing a festival; it is about contributing to and nurturing the musical industry in Nepal.
With the aim of bringing energy and life to a particular area through music, Kanta Dub-Dub has started a musical festival along with Kutumba (Nepali Instrumental Band), Night and Phatcowlee. Their first festival was held at Ashan Chowk in Kathmandu and was a huge hit.
Silence Festival
The Silence Festival is Nepal's most popular metal music festival, featuring both local and international artists. This music event is unique and provides a platform for local artists as well as international artists to showcase their skills in metal music, such as death metal, black metal, heavy metal, and so on.
Nowadays, metal music has gained a large audience and is openly appreciated in Nepal. People are having a great time at the festival which is especially suitable for those who love metal music and artists.
Jazzmandu
There are many ways people from different countries interact with each other, and one of them is through music. Jazzmandu is a unique and authentic approach to bringing together music listeners and artists with diverse backgrounds and talents. It has now become a popular event for foreigners who want to experience an international music festival while staying in the Himalayas. Apart from the festival, free music workshops, programs and trainings are offered annually in Kathmandu for the general public and school students.
Women In Concert
The Women in Concert is an annual music festival held in Nepal that honors promising female musicians. The primary objective of this festival is to offer a safe and inclusive space for female artists to exhibit their talents. Each year, the festival features emerging and gifted female musicians and groups from various regions of Nepal. This event holds great significance for women musicians since the music industry in Nepal is mostly male-oriented, and female artists frequently experience demotivation in pursuing their musical aspirations.
In January 2014, the Women in Concert Foundation became a non-governmental organization (NGO). This was an important milestone for the foundation, as it allowed them to officially focus on women's rights concerns, which had always been their highest priority. The transformation into an NGO has allowed WICF to work more effectively to promote and advocate for women's rights.
Himalayan Blues Festival
The Himalayan Blues Festival is an annual music event that exhibits live music performances along with cultural programs on an international level. It was established in 2007 and has showcased different blues musicians from different parts of the world, thereby introducing blues music to Nepal and neighboring regions. Currently, the festival has expanded to other cities in South Asia. Samik Kharel is the founder of the festival in Nepal, which has now grown to include many Indian cities and attracts a huge number of both local and global musicians.
Bass Day, Nepal
Bass Day is a significant music event in Nepal that takes place every year for Nepalese musicians. Recently, the 7th edition of Bass Day 2022 was held at Sishan Bar, Thamel, Kathmandu. The idea behind this event is to gather bass players from all over Nepal, to share their music and enjoy themselves.
The bass guitar is not well-known or widely played in Nepal, and even skilled bass guitarists in popular bands may be overlooked. However, the Bass Day festival provides an opportunity for artists to come together and showcase their bass-playing talents to the audience. It's important to recognize the important role of the bass player in any band, whether local band or national band, the bass provides the foundation for the music.
Kathmandu Blues N Roots
Kathmandu Blues N Roots is a blues festival in Kathmandu that celebrates blues music. It aims to promote local blues music and artists. The festival's 5th edition took place in October 2022 and featured performances from The Bluezingasns, Midnight Riders, EI Profundo’s Circus, Satish Sthapit Blues Explosion, and more artists. This festival is an opportunity for music enthusiasts to come together and enjoy blues and roots music, as well as discover new and upcoming musicians in the blues genre. Along with musical performances, there are also workshops and other activities related to blues and roots music.
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