#Nepali Reggae

[anautumncarol]

thank you @chrxsify for tagging me!!! sorry for taking so long to do it, hope i did this correctly

1. Birthday?

30/11

2. Favorite color?

okay so i technically have 5 but they’re all a mix of each other at this point so: white, blue, purple, red and black

3. How tall are you?

168cm ish.

4. How many pair of shoes to you own?

technically i own a bunch since i never throw away the old ones but you’ll probably find me wearing my doc martens and now occasionally kickers (whenever i’m required to wear flat shoes i do have vans because they’re the comfiest shoes and try and find nice shoes in a size 42 or above in the women’s section (why are men’s shoes so boring????), vans has got you covered by sizing ridiculously big).

5. Favorite song?

I don’t really have one although i’ll have to say passion for publication by anarbor, 0325 by skz, sicilienne by fauré (not rlly a song i know), intywidfal by mcr, gold medal ribbon by ptv and a night like this by the cure constitute a solid foundation of songs?

6. Favorite movie?

i dont really watch movies but maybe a monster in paris?

7. Who would be your ideal partner?

im not sure since i’ve honestly got neither the time nor patience to even think of being in a relationship so i guess i’ll say kim seungmin because being chronically a seungmin simp is half of my personnality

8. Do you want children?

not my own, that’s for sure. maybe one day i’ll adopt but kids are tiring man

9. Have you gotten in trouble with the law?

Not officially

10. What color socks are you wearing?

none, i’m wearing slippers

11. Favorite type of music?

anything except maybe dubstep, it gives me major headaches, and reggae, i just can’t seem to enjoy it. rock is probably my favourite since it’s such a broad genre and just i do prefer more types of rock than types of pop or kpop or rap etc

12. How many pillows do you sleep with?

4 pillows and 4 other throw pillows under my feet to keep my legs elevated because bad blood circulation bb (dont ask me how i fit so much shit on a single bed, idk either)

13. What position do you sleep in?

on my side or sometimes twisted so my torso is on it’s back

14. What don’t you like when you’re sleeping?

my own thoughts ngl, its so hard to fall asleep with those running through my brain

15. Have you tried archery?

i have a very peculiar relationship with archery because its a sport i’ve always wanted to do and that from the few times i’ve done it i’m actually decent at and am just realy disappointed with the fact i never got to exploit my full potential because i really do love it (same with other aiming things like i always get prices at fairs with the rifle stalls despite it being the only time i actually use them). 

16. Favorite fruit?

pineapples are the only fruits i’ll ever eat willingly

17. Are you a good liar?

decent enough to get away with a few things

18. What’s your personality type?

intp

19. Innie or outie?

innie, just for the sole excuse that i’m a hermit and that the word reminds me of jeongin

20. Left or right handed?

right handed

21. Favorite food?

i’m assuming it means food from home country and idk, maybe cordon bleu?

22. Favorite foreign food?

as much as i love mexican and ethiopian food and currywurst, nothing beats indian food (although nepali food absolutely kills as well)

23. Are you clean or messy?

messily organised. really depends with what, like my room is a mess 99% of the time but my bookshelf, mangateque, cd and album collection are always neatly organised

24. Most used phrase?

“your mum/ta mère” “fun fact” “tips and tricks” “border” “ ’tain” and a few others

25. How long does it take you to get ready?

i basically will do my “routine” as fast or slow as required depending on how much time i have. shortest i tend to do it is like 5-10 minutes and it really doesn’t need more that 45 minutes at most

26. Do you talk to yourself?

all the time. i also talk to myself in third person whilst talking to others which becomes kind of a problem when one of your best friends has the same name as you

27. Do you sing to yourself?

only when im home alone, it shuts the dogs up and is pretty fun

28. Are you a good singer?

haha, next

29. Biggest fear?

the unknown i guess?

30. Are you a gossip?

depends who i’m with

31. Long or short hair?

i don’t really care, depends what suits the person’s face in my opinion

32. Favorite school subject?

that’s a really hard question but maybe philosophy, maths, literature (although i dont have it anymore smh), physics-chemistry, drama and like history back when i didn’t have the teacher i currently do

33. Extrovert or introvert?

ambivert, really

34. What make you nervous?

phone buzzing, i absolutely fucking despise it. and then things like school and life in general although that’s more axiousness

35. Who was your first crush?

i don’t think i’ve ever really had a crush but maybe nico di angelo??

36. How many piercings do you have?

except my lobes i have a helix and a second lobe and i’ll be getting a second helix this summer

37. How many tattoos do you have?

nichts, i don’t think my commitment issues will allow me although i love tattoos

38. How fast can you run?

i am the exception to physics for i can travel 174 au per day

39. What color is your hair?

dirty blond/dirty brown

40. What colour are your eyes?

like an aggregation of colours but i guess the main ones are blue and grey and like yellow

41. What makes you angry?

anything as long as i’m tired enough

42. Do you like your name?

i have nothing against it

44. What are your strengths?

idk, maybe my ability to adapt to different situations?

45. What are your weaknesses?

maybe the fact i get riled up easily by the most random shit?

46. What’s the color of your bedspread?

i think it’s like white with dots rn

47. What’s the color of your room?

walls are white and purple but other than that it’s kinda anything goes with my room’s colours, ngl.

[thegroovethief]

On the three-track EP Cultivation meets Arrival Sound System, out just in time for that hazy April holiday (and a free download through May 4), Nepali singer Cultivation joins forces with Brixton-based UK roots and dub outfit Arrival Sound System. On this primarily Nepali language reggae record, Cultivation deftly blends English hooks with verses in his native tongue on upbeat cuts “Kathmandu” and “Smile Mi Friend,” while the foreboding societal indictment of “Hippocrites” rounds out the release. In an exclusive interview, Cultivation was kind enough to answer a few questions about his work as well, so make sure to keep on reading past the review!

Cultivation meets Arrival Sound System by Cultivation & Arrival Sound System

Opener “Kathmandu” follows an entrancing guitar line through the necessary shoutouts, as a dubby haze builds in the background. By the time Cultivation starts spitting the tough rapid-fire verses, it’s hard not to be completely captivated. Built around the hook ‘Kathmandu, there are things you got to do,’ the sense of optimism is firm here, and it’s an interesting mix of island and mountain mysticism whenever the melodica joins in. The clearly tight riddim section shouldn’t be overlooked either, which keeps all three cuts well-grounded. “Hippocrites” is equally rugged, though more minimal in both style and instrumentation. Carried by the wicked guitar work, Cultivation’s lyrical dexterity is in fine form here, with lines like ‘I man could be a hippie but never a hippocrite’ providing a nice contrast to the slower-paced reverberating hook.

On a killer relick of the famed Murderer Riddim, “Smile Mi Friend” is arguably the tour de force here. Pushing the aforementioned themes of optimism and equality even further, the vocals reveal the powerful potential of a simple smile. The verses aim to reassure the Nepali people, emphasizing the need for love and respect amongst all, while crucially also mentioning the need for the law to better protect women. This is a strictly conscious vibe, in a subcontinental fashion. A consistent focus on equality and fairness is wonderful to hear, no slackness here. ‘Smile mi friend, it’s gonna be alright’ indeed! And here’s the exclusive interview with singer Cultivation: TGT: Much respect! It’s been a busy year of releases for you already, with your debut album Plains, Hills & Mountains coming out in February and now the Cultivation meets Arrival Sound System EP. What was it like recording a full-length with the Himalions in Nepal, compared to collaborating with Arrival Sound out of London? Cultivation: Greetings TGT, much respect to you as well. Well yes, the debut album and 2nd EP were released in February and April of 2017. Coming on first to the album (Plains, Hills & Mountains), we had a somewhat tough time recording it, be it the load-shedding or the fuel crisis at the same time, many sub-problems followed the mother problems, haha. So, due to those hurdles the album release was postponed I don’t know how many times. But yes, coming to the fun part was that there were seven of us – Bimal Gurung (bass guitars/vox), Bhusan Amatya (drums), Jacko Wacko (trumpet), Subash Siwa (guitars), Yuvash Vaidya (keys) and Pratik Baniya (trombones) – as The Himalions. Individual creativity was flowing all over and that’s what the process of making music should possess I think. Also, most importantly, it was interesting because I was working with riddim producers before and then it came down to individual musicians recording with The Himalions. It's experience, be it with a riddim producer or live recordings, and all my songs (or most of them) worked with riddim producers. This also comes down to the Cultivation Meets Arrival Sound System EP, which was released only this month. Pure riddims produced by Hal (of Arrival Sound), who I met through musical links in Kathmandu, turned out to generate gigs around Kathmandu and eventually the EP. Something new that this EP brings is the Nepali lyrics. TGT: Previously you’ve sang mostly in English, but the new EP also features Nepali lyrics for many of the verses. “Smile Mi Friend” stands out for its powerful lyrics about the importance of unity, equal rights for women, and respect for our elders. What motivated you to sing in your native language for this release, and what’s your message to the Nepali people, both at home and abroad? Cultivation: Yes, for the first EP and the debut album it was all English/ Patois, and it was the result of writing what I listened to or direct inspirations. It was easier for myself to translate my words of feelings in those certain languages. But then when I started writing for our second EP with bredda Hal (Arrival Sound), I asked Hal if he was OK with me writing in Nepali, got a thumbs up for it and than the pen went on and on starting with “Kathmandu” (track #1). For “Smile Mi Friend,” yes again the verses are in Nepali where I could fit more words, haha, but yeah starting with the first verse I have stated about positivity and equality among all, where as the 2nd verse, it states about the nature which has – I mean everything – for free, but the world is in blind sight of the materialistic world; it also states that equal gender rights in Nepal which is still not 100% given and of course respecting women because Mother Nature and mother is where everything starts from. My motivation for singing in Nepali started with the want to grow locally and connect locally. And people who would have never listened to the kind of music here in Nepal would have a reason to connect because he/she shall know the language. So yeah, that’s my motivation: growth and connection. My message to my fellow Nepali peeps home and abroad is – Hey, I am an artiste just trying to follow my heart, doing what I like the most, where I stand for what I do… well, time will tell, and I know lots of people who are talented in every way, which wouldn’t maybe generate the income or… so, forcefully they change to Babylon ways… the message is follow your heart: live your life. TGT: We were fortunate enough to meet in India back in 2016 after both playing a beach-side pre-party (before the first annual Goa Sunsplash festival). How did that event impact you, and – especially given the long distances – how is the subcontinent’s reggae scene staying connected? Cultivation: Yes TGT, it was such a wicked moment at Arambol… I remember being lost in Arambol just before the gig… I had to meet a friend (Bellatrix) who had a gig in Mandrem at the same time and right after meeting her I got lost in Mandrem, yes literally… finally found a cab (after 1 hour and 30 minutes) which took me to the venue… and everything else was history… Goa Sunsplash had – and has – a big impact on me… seeing General Levy and all them artistes was crazy… The subcontinent’s reggae connection is good, especially my bredrin General Zooz, the man has so much passion and drive for this ting called reggae. I missed the 2nd year of Goa Sunsplash, but yeah, not missing the 3rd one! TGT: It appears reggae is on the rise in Nepal, with your recent output, the work of Hifalutin, as well as the return of Joint Family Internationale. What are your thoughts? And what are the challenges you face as a reggae artist, both regarding recording and public performances? Cultivation: The Nepali reggae scene to be honest is a small scene, but also reggae has always been there, so it’s like musicians come, have their contribution, and vanish. The challenges I face as a reggae artiste recording now are none because the NEA (Nepal Electricity Authority) is being run by an original ‘God Son’ named Kul Man Ghising, who wiped out the darkness single-handedly. Big up to the man… so yeah, if there’s electricity a man can always work. Regarding public performances in Nepal, people are shy and passive when it comes to new kinds of music… they only tend to connect to what they know… it’s not like that every time, but most new venues we play in Kathmandu, Pokhara, or else where… but yeah, these are the challenges that we know exist and we face it as accordingly to the new teachings of this ting called reggae music. Bless and love!

[globalworship]

Prema Ko Janma Bho (Love Has Been Born, Nepali Christmas song)

PREMAKO JANMA BHO, 2017 Christmas song in Nepali Music Arrangement/Lyrics - Evan Kunwar Rana Vocals - Evan and Manita Kunwar Rana

I find the song to be fascinating as it successfully mixes a reggae beat, bansuri (bamboo) flute, several short raps, rock guitar solo, and more elements in a great song with a Christmas message. It’s by the Kairos Band. They’ve performed with Christafari (an American Christian reggae band) so it’s no wonder they can play a reggae groove. https://www.facebook.com/KairosNepal/

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An English translation of part of the song:

In the midnight, under the open sky Angels sang with a golden trumpet From heaven's king, a message of peace to every human being The earth waits to receive the present of love. The torn sky is now filled with wings "sending the love, angel’s song". All glory to God   Chorus "Love has been born, love has been born"

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[lchapagain4]

बाजेले गिटार बजाऊदा बजै लजायपछि Song pattern-Nepali Reggae song Title-Bajeley Guitar Bajako Singer-Binod Dhakal Lyrics/Music-Binod Dhakal Arrangement-Dinesh Shrestha Camera-Anup Giri Editor-Sushil Neupane Director-Binod Dhakal Shooting Location-Thailand,Phuket

[globalworship]

Love is Born (Nepali Christmas song, reggae & rap)

The other Christmas songs from Nepal that I’ve highlighted today feature ‘folklore’ or rural music and dance choreography and costuming.

However, Kathmandu has a thriving youth culture which is tied into global youth culture in many ways. It is the largest metropolis in Nepal, with a population of 2 million in the city proper, and 6 million in its urban agglomeration across the Kathmandu Valley,

This urban Christmas song has a reggae groove and a rap. The title is “Prema Ko Janma Bho” performed by the Kairos Band. The English translation of the title is ‘Love is Born.’

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For some very relevant background, read this (2016) paper:

Growing Up Christian and Nepali: Music and Youth Culture Within the Nepali Christian Community

https://www.academia.edu/24955287/Growing_Up_Christian_and_Nepali_Music_and_Youth_Culture_Within_the_Nepali_Christian_Community

The paper mentions Hephzibah, an urban Christian band that I ministered with in early 2017 in both urban and rural Nepal. I’ll post some of their urban Christian songs later.

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