| ashu |
Posted
on 05-Dec-03 05:12 PM
Kuber Rai is from Ilam. He is a musician/singer in the tradition of, say, Bhakta Raj Acharya or early Deep Shrestha.
He won a number of awards in various music competitions in the early '90s in Kathmandu. At the time, many people saw him as Narayan Gopal's heir.
Then -- as Pranay Limbu's documentary "History for Winners" (2003) shows -- Kuber abruptly left Kathmandu's music scene in the mid '90s, and went back to being a
farmer in his village.
Recently, in Biratnagar and Dharan, I had had an opportunity to meet with some friends of Kuber who said that Kuber is one of the most "sidha, sadha and sojho" men they have ever known. They were not surprised that Kuber, despite having talents, had had a hard time launching and relaunching his musical career in Kathmandu.
Kuber Rai is performing in a come-back solo concert in Kathmandu.
Date: Sunday, 7 December, 2003.
Place: Patan Dhoka
Ticket: RS. 300
Time: 3 pm
I understand that Kuber will be singing about 8 or nine of his songs
***********
A few weeks ago, with Kuber as an example, I wrote about the role of agents in commercially promoting Nepali artists (please see: Strictly Business, The Nepali Times,
17-23 October, 2003.)
Here's a photo of Kuber and his son.
oohi
ashu
ktm,nepal
|
| ashu |
Posted
on 07-Dec-03 08:49 PM
Kuber Rai sang quite well yestreday. Enjoyed listening to his songs.
Here's wishing all the best for his continued success.
oohi
ashu
ktm,nepal
***************************
Kuber Rai singing again
Himalayan News Service
Kathmandu, December 7
Yala Maya Kendra organised 'A solo performance by Kuber Rai' on December 7 at the Kendra premises, Patan Dhoka. Kuber Rai is a singer who was once predicted to be the next Narayan Gopal. In a national competition years ago, he had beaten the likes of Ram Krishna Dhakal. He faded from limelight because he refused to exploit himself in terms other than his voice.
With the aim of reintroducing this gifted musician, Himal Association presented the modest fundraising programme. Kuber Rai sang "Birano yo aakashma", a tribute to Nepal, "Aljhiyeki sheetharu", "Kasari", "Khola", "Tada bhaye ke bho" and "Mayale mulbato bhulechha", the song that people still remember him for.
"To be singing here in Patan again brings back memories a decade ago when I used to sing at Patan Guest House," said the singer. "It brings to me a certain kind of peace."
Kuber Rai certainly has a wonderful voice with a texture that brings forth the profundity of any song. The modulations and the richness remind one of the classical greats. Though the Association had sent him an airplane ticket, he had not received it so had decided to make it by bus.
Caught in the cold of the night for eight hours during a security check, Kuber had fever when he reached Kathmandu. Even with the flu, Kuber's voice was magnificent.
Kuber Rai was rediscovered in the documentary 'Itihaas jitne haruko lagi', made by Pranay Limbu. It was also selected as the opening film for Film South Asia 2003 and created quite a stir. Looking into the life of a potential star in contrast with a star who had made it big (Dhiraj Rai), the documentary helped bring Kuber Rai to the forefront again.
Born in Illam, Rai tasted fame nearly a decade ago with "Mayale mulbato bhulechha" and "Aljhiyeki sheetharu". Lack of support and finances pushed back to his farm in Illam where he sang while ploughing. However, after this comeback, we hope to hear more of him.
The funds raised from the event were given to the artiste. "We want to reintroduce Kuber Rai to the people because he has enormous potential. Those who have heard say that he has an awesome voice. We heard him on the radio a long time ago and those who hear him do not forget him easily," said Novel Kishore Rai, vice president of Himal Association.
|
