Samundra band, an ensemble that plays age-old Nepali tunes, recomposing many in new forms, is known for updating cherished old music for contemporary times. With members Anil Gandharba on sarangi and arbajo, Buddha Gandharba on sarangi, Ramkrishna Gandharba on flute and arbajo, Samsher Gandharba on maadal, Arjun Gandharba on maadal and Raju Gandharba on percussions, the band "celebrates and safeguards the Gandharba community's long tradition of performing folk Nepali music". The band, formed in 2004, therefore holds firm to typical folk instruments as they strive to transfer music knowledge and skills to a new generation.
Giving continuity to their musical endeavour, the band this year is set to perform at the Surya Nepal Jazzmandu 2024 scheduled from October 24-30. As they get ready for the jazz festival of the Himalayas, Anil, also the band manager, shares with The Himalayan Times, about themselves, their music and more: Recognising the current state of Gandharba music, we see that only a few young people are engaging with this traditional art form. To bridge the generational gap in performing Nepali folk music, we are committed to inspiring the younger generation to embrace their cultural heritage, ensuring its longevity.
We encourage them to play music and keep the tradition alive. As Gandharbas, folk music runs in our veins, and we carry its very essence within us. It flows naturally from our emotions, a spontaneous expression of our feelings.
The use of traditional Nepa.